Manchester United Transfer News: Cristiano Ronaldo and Gerard Pique Blows Dealt

There are not many of us who would trade a life in sunny Spain for the rainy north west of England, and despite rumours emerging to the contrary, it doesn't look as though Cristiano Ronaldo or Gerard Pique—men who have already experienced both contrasting cultures—will be making that switch either.

According to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, while both Manchester United and Ronaldo are keen on a reunion, Real Madrid will not sanction any deal for their Portuguese superstar this summer, per Jack Wilson of the Daily Star:

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I know for a fact Real Madrid will not let Cristiano go this summer, no way.

It doesn’t matter that Manchester United have the finances to get him, it doesn’t matter that Cristiano is thinking of coming back—Real Madrid won’t let him go.

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At this juncture, it's easy to see why the European champions are keen to cling on to their prized asset. The 29-year-old has began the 2014-15 season in magnificent form, as noted here by Footy Accumulators:

His latest hat-trick for Real Madrid—his 26th for the club overall—came against Athletic Bilbao in another big win for Los Blancos. Here are some of the best bits from that virtuoso display:

The news that Ronaldo is unlikely to return will come as a blow to the Old Trafford faithful, who would have no doubt been dreaming of seeing their former No. 7 replicate his goalscoring feats for the Red Devils.

But boasting attacking talent like Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata, Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria, the supporters should be sated when it comes to the club's offensive options.

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The area in which Louis van Gaal's team needs strengthening is a little further back, but unfortunately for the Dutch boss, the club have been dealt another blow in their attempts to bring another former player back to the club.

Pique had been linked with a return to United after barely featuring under new Blaugrana boss Luis Enrique, but the 27-year-old has reaffirmed his love for his current employers in an interview with FourFourTwo (h/t Nick Lustig of the Daily Star), insisting he wants to emulate some of the club's icons:

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I love this club for its history, its style of play and its connection to Catalunya.

I love it here. I am at the best club in the world right now. I have no intention of leaving now or later. I've just signed a new contract and I want to retire a Blaugrana, just like [Carles] Puyol did.

You never know what the future holds, but right now, I love this city, I love the people in the club, and most importantly, I love the institution. I don't see myself leaving.

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Barcelona have enjoyed a wonderful start to their domestic campaign, winning six and drawing one of their opening seven games. And somewhat surprisingly for a team renowned for their effervescent attacking, it's in defence where this group has shone; the Blaugrana have yet to concede a goal in La Liga this season.

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But this is only in part down to Pique, who has been on the periphery of the first XI since Enrique took over. The Spain international has started just three games this season for the Catalans, per WhoScored.com, with Enrique seemingly preferring a central-defensive pairing of Jeremy Mathieu and Javier Mascherano.

The former United man did impress in Barcelona’s most recent outing, though, and he was awarded man of the match by WhoScored.com following their 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano:

It’s easy to see why Pique's situation may have potentially alerted Van Gaal. The Red Devils are desperately short of quality at the back, and the Barcelona man is a player that knows Manchester, knows the Premier League and, most importantly, would deliver a much-needed injection of quality in that area of the pitch.

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Perhaps he'd fancy a change of scenery too? After all, here's a player that has won the box set of honours in Spain; maybe the prospect of helping United back to the pinnacle of the English game is a challenge he'd relish as he moves into the peak years of his career?

But Pique is a crucial player for Barcelona, and although he hasn’t featured quite as much as he would have liked in the early stages of Enrique’s tenure, it’s a long season and he’ll be afforded plenty of chances. Stylistically, his ability to defend with diligence and distinction and bring the ball out from the back and set attacks in motion has been a hallmark of the team.

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At the age of 27, Pique is also one of the more experienced figures at Barcelona. He’s been central to the club’s recent successes, and with Victor Valdes and Carles Puyol having recently left the club and Xavi now in the twilight of his career, players like the central defender are vital in preserving some stability at Camp Nou. Not to mention his jovial nature, which makes him one of the most popular men in the dressing room.

Although both Barcelona and Spain suffered a difficult 2014, Pique himself has actually enjoyed a fine year. And if his performance against Vallecano in Barcelona’s last outing is anything to go by, he remains in imperious form. 

As the games come thick and fast for the Blaugrana and Enrique, expect Pique to play an increasingly prominent role and eventually nail down one of those central-defensive berths. And expect United—while a potential move for Pique is a tantalising proposition—to turn their attention to other targets in order to bolster their back line.