Cristiano Ronaldo Return to Manchester United Still a Dream but a Valid One

If football fans can't be encouraged to dream, then what's the point?

If there's not a chance, however slim, of success, then why bother? It's what keeps supporters coming back. There's an excitement in the unknown. The irresistible thought that, sooner or later, there might be some small victory to celebrate.

Manchester United fans have been urged not to get too carried away after their 4-0 win over Queens Park Rangers on Sunday. Title talk, they say, is premature. It's usually followed by "It was only QPR."

But United fans haven't been able to get excited for a while. They have had to watch their team through gaps in their fingers for the last 12 months.

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So when they're presented with a team that includes Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Juan Mata, why shouldn't they be encouraged?

They might have started their Premier League campaign with a defeat and two draws. 

But with the star names United have now got, a title challenge is still possible. With their collection of shiny new players, there's no reason why they shouldn't be a match for Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool. The other challengers certainly won't relish trips to Old Trafford in the way they did last season.

Di Maria and Falcao, more so than United's other new signings, have changed the fans' perspective of this season and what might be possible.

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Their arrivals should change their view of what, at one time, seemed fanciful links with Cristiano Ronaldo, as well.

The return of the Portuguese forward remains a dream for many supporters. Much like the Premier League title is this season.

But if United can sign Di Maria and Falcao, two of the best players in the world, then why not Ronaldo?

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has shown the club's financial might this summer by splashing out more than £150 million on transfer fees alone.

If United can afford Di Maria and Falcao, they can find the money to lure a former hero back to Old Trafford—even if Pep Guardiola doesn't think they can afford any of Bayern Munich's players.

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It goes without saying there is a will on United's side to make it happen. United are a club who will always be interested in the world's best players.

The issue has always been whether Ronaldo would want to go back. Whether he would want to leave Real Madrid for a club and a league where he has nothing left to prove.

Only he will know that. But it's safe to assume that a team with Di Maria and Falcao in its ranks suddenly becomes more appealing to a man for whom winning is everything.

United may not re-sign Ronaldo. They might not win the title this season, either. But there's always cause to dream. After all, that's what football is all about.