Manchester United might use Sir Alex Ferguson in a bid to lure Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford.
A report in The Sun suggests the former United boss could still use his influence to persuade the Portuguese international to make an emotional return to the club he played for between 2003 and 2009.
Ronaldo is thought to have been disappointed when Ferguson decided to retire at the end of last season, having looked on him as a father figure in his time with the Red Devils.
Now, however, United have been given fresh hope after Ronaldo announced via his official Twitter account on Friday that ‘all the news about my renewal with Real Madrid are false’.
The Spanish giants are optimistic Ronaldo will sign an extension to his existing deal, but conflicting reports recently indicate the matter is far from straightforward and Madrid President Florentino Perez knows there is still a lot of talking to be done to convince his star player to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu.
United, meanwhile, believe a personal approach from Ferguson may well pave the way for a summer transfer, with Tottenham Hotspur’s Gareth Bale also ready to play a part in any deal.
If Los Blancos manage to follow up their interest in the Welsh international and secure a deal before the start of next season, United hope it will signal Ronaldo’s return and they are believed to be prepared to offer around €70m for him.
On the other hand, if Ronaldo decides to remain in Spain then new United boss David Moyes may well make a bid for the Spurs player.
