Van Gaal: United want Ronaldo back

Bale has been linked with a return to England next year with Manchester United keen to pry the Welsh winger from Madrid. “The doctors won’t take any risks with him, which is good”.

RONALDO, BALE, BLAH BLAH BLAHWe don’t hear enough about Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale and their respective futures, do we?

Van Gaal’s side have been criticised for their conservative style of play under the Dutchman this season, but their latest defensive display paid dividends at Vicarage Road.

How could he not?

Manchester United could bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to the club in a sensational deal, with reports that they’re ready to pay his wages. But at the end of the season, Van Gaal cut his losses.

Financially, United have never been stronger, with annual revenues expected to break through the £500million barrier on the back of new kit sponsorship and TV deals.

That will come as a blow to Van Gaal, who is desperate to strengthen his forward line in the January window, and he was hoping to exploit the fraught political situation in Madrid to his advantage. He can’t be a snip.

He turns 31 in February and recent reports in Spain say he is frustrated at the Spanish giants and wants to opt out. A figure of £60million has been mentioned and that sounds about right. They now face competition from Chelsea, according to the Daily Mirror.

The Glazers may feel Van Gaal is getting there already, with the huge sums invested.

SP: If we’re talking in a dream world, Neymar, Ronaldo then Bale. But if he becomes available, then I’m sure United would have to go for him. While Ronaldo returning would be excellent from a commercial point of view and he remains one of the most risky scorers anywhere, there is a question mark over how his arrival would affect the development of United’s brilliant young forwards.

Evra even recalled the night on which the three-time Ballon d’Or victor made his return to his old club as a Madrid player.

He recently splashed out an eye-watering £12m on a fabulous loft apartment in Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue in NY, suggesting a move there next is likely. That is how United are getting their results. Yet timing is everything in the transfer market.