Manchester United Transfer News: Louis Van Gaal Keen on Cristiano Ronaldo Return

Louis van Gaal has confirmed his interest in bringing Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford. The Manchester United manager told Mirror reporter Simon Mullock there's still hope for a Ronaldo return.

Answering a direct question about any intention to move for the player who once dominated the English Premier League, Van Gaal declared his admiration for the prolific forward: “Ronaldo plays on the wings and he is fast and scores goals. There is no trainer in the world that doesn’t like him."

In terms of a second stint in a United shirt for the one-time Sporting Lisbon prospect, Van Gaal insisted United remain keen:  “Of course we are looking - but are looking at all players, not just Ronaldo. But these players are mostly ungettable. With Ronaldo, let’s wait and hope.”

Of course, any deal for the ex-United No. 7 would surely be a lucrative one. But Mullock states the Old Trafford club's financial position has "never been stronger," confidently asserting United would have no issue paying the 30-year-old's £300,000 per week wages.

Paulo Duarte/Associated Press/Associated Press

Now is probably the ideal time to try and lure Ronaldo back from the Santiago Bernabeu. ESPN FC's Rob Train highlighted his drab showing in the 4-0 Clasico defeat to Barcelona as key evidence Ronaldo is less than happy in the Spanish capital:

"

He sulked throughout and when the Portuguese is in that mood, Real are almost playing with 10 men. He would have buried his second half chance when one-on-one with Bravo 99 times out of a 100 and had a good late header saved but the suspicion remains that all is not well on planet Ronaldo -- and it's costing Real.

"

Madrid are reportedly open to selling, as noted by the Sun (h/t Liam Prenderville of the Mirror). He states any deal is contingent on Real getting the £80 million they paid United in 2009. The same report identifies both the Red Devils and Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain as prime candidates.

United could certainly use an infusion of star power. Van Gaal's squad may second in the Premier League table, but the performances have inspired nobody. In particular, former United midfield playmaker Paul Scholes—a current BT Sport pundit—has remained an ardent critic, one who doubts his old club's capacity to win the Premier League title:

Striker Wayne Rooney looks like a spent force, while Memphis Depay has flattered to deceive. Meanwhile, Anthony Martial is highly gifted, but young and inconsistent.

Ronaldo would resume his role as the marquee match-winner who helped United to three-straight league titles during his time at the club. Not everybody is convinced a reunion is the best idea, though.

Among them, ex-United full-back Gary Neville believes Ronaldo's Madrid teammate Gareth Bale is a better target, according to Steve Bates of the Sunday People (h/t Mirror.co.uk): “I’d prefer us to get Gareth Bale and that’s no disrespect to Cristiano who I think is possibly the biggest talent I have ever played with - not the best player I ever played with - but the biggest talent."

Neville may not find much support for his view. Given how well Ronaldo performed the first time he wore a United shirt, his goalscoring pedigree would surely be welcomed back.

Yet, he's now closer to the end of his career. For a club that's often prided itself on safe-guarding the future, paying a fortune for a former star will be more about short-term, instant gratification.

After two years without a trophy—something they may fix this season—United may feel a little short-term thinking is justified. If they don't, PSG won't be shy about pursuing the Portuguese powerhouse.