Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Cristiano Ronaldo and Kevin Strootman

Typically, there are two standard narratives behind transfer deals in football.

The first and most common motivation for signing a player is for practical reasons. A manager will bring someone into the group to add something to a team that’s currently lacking or to bolster an area of the squad that’s a little short on numbers or quality.

The other is for more much more romantic reasons. Yes, the club might indulge in a player in a position that they’re well stocked, but such is the calibre of the footballer and his affinity with the supporters, a deal is pushed through anyway.

According to reports, Manchester United could be about to make one signing of each type when the window reopens. Here’s a look at both of the players that have been linked, what they could offer the Red Devils cause and whether Louis van Gaal is wise to pursue their signatures.

Cristiano Ronaldo Open To Red Devils Return

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It seems that ever since Real Madrid signed the Portuguese winger in a world-record £80 million deal that Ronaldo has been teasing a potential Old Trafford return. But as of late, murmurings about a potential exit from Los Blancos seem to be a little bit more tangible.

Indeed, United fans are getting excited about the prospect of a reunion with their former No. 7, per Transfer Sources:

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Manchester United fans chant: "Put him on a plane, bring him back from Spain, Viva Ronaldo"

— Transfer Sources (@TransferSources) September 14, 2014"

According to Rob Shepherd of the Mail Online, Ronaldo is pushing for a move back to England and he will command a whopping weekly wage of £500,000.

The report was backed up by suggestions from Antony Kastrinakis of the Sun On Sunday, who claimed the 29-year-old forward is fuming with the summer business conducted by the European Champions, per Sky Sports:

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He had a go at [Real president] Florentino Perez about two weeks ago for selling Angel Di Maria and Xabi Alonso just a week before the season started.

A bizarre decision – they’re hot favourites to retain their title and the Champions League, the first team to do that in the new format. And now, two defeats in the league.

Ronaldo’s attack came just before the international break when they lost 4-2 at Real Sociedad. The collapse there sparked a massive debate – the debate whether they should have sold Di Maria to United and certainly Alonso to Bayern Munich.

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Ronaldo enjoyed a wonderfully successful period at Manchester United and even though he’s on the cusp of the latter stages of his career, the Old Trafford faithful—who regularly sing his name from the terraces—would still love to have him back. Here are a few reasons why:

There’s been an obvious change of strategy from Manchester United this summer when it comes to transfer dealings and Ronaldo would fit right into that model. Van Gaal has targeted the best players in the world who are in their prime to come in and make an immediate impression, not players who are a little younger that have potential to grow as footballers.

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The Portuguese winger remains one of the best players in the world, and even if the Red Devils were to sanction a money-spinning bid for his services, you suspect there will be few United supporters complaining about the return of such an iconic, popular and impactful footballer.

Kevin Strootman Not For Sale, Says Roma Director

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Roma’s director of football Walter Sabatini has ruled out the prospect of selling the Dutch midfield man, insisting the player will remain at the Stadio Olimipico.

According to Sabatini, Strootman’s return from injury will give his side major impetus at the mid-point of the campaign and as such, he’s indispensable to the Giallorossi cause, per William Giles of Metro:

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How much is Strootman worth? There’s no price for him because he’s not for sale.

He’ll be our big mid-season signing [when he returns from injury]. We’ve had to make do without a magnificent footballer these last few months.

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Indeed, the Dutch midfielder is clearly a magnificent footballer, and it’s easy to see why Van Gaal would be keen to get the former PSV Eindhoven midfielder on board. Here’s why Roma value him so highly:

The capital club’s reluctance to sell is certainly understandable. They’ve strengthened their squad superbly during the transfer window with some excellent signings, and Rudi Garcia looks to have a group of players at his disposal capable of challenging for the Scudetto. If they’re in the mix by the time Strootman returns, he can push them on even further.

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But there is an obvious admiration for the player from Van Gaal, and United showcased throughout the summer transfer window that they have the financial muscle to test Roma’s resolve if the Red Devils boss remains especially keen on the 24-year-old.

Strootman would bring plenty to this United side, most notably, an unshakeable box-to-box presence and ability to make a crucial impact in both defensive and offensive areas of the pitch. WhoScored.com provides us with an insight into how creative he can be, a facet of Strootman's game that is often overlooked:

He’s left-sided too, so affords the team with great balance, and despite being relatively young, has shown he has what it takes to be a leader on the pitch; Van Gaal named Strootman as his Netherlands captain for the World Cup before injury curtailed his season prematurely.

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It's clear Van Gaal is well aware of the aforementioned qualities, and although Roma are boisterously adamant of keeping hold of Strootman, you suspect that won’t stop United coming in and testing the waters with a substantial January offer.