Man Utd star linked with summer exit as European giants watch; Sir Alex said he's 'fantastic'

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo could be set for a sensational return to Real Madrid, according to a report from The Mirror. 

Signed from Juventus last August for £12.9m (Sky Sports), the 37-year-old superstar has enjoyed a stellar return to Old Trafford on a personal level.

However, with a Premier League top-four finish unlikely and no silverware to play for, overall the return has proven to be a disappointing one for a player who boasts 34 major trophies during an illustrious career.

As the campaign comes towards its conclusion, attention has already turned to what the future may hold for Ronaldo…

As per The Mirror, Spanish giants Real Madrid are believed to be interested in taking the 186-cap Portugal star back to the club.

The report claims that the newly-crowned La Liga champions are ‘increasingly keen’ on taking the prolific frontman back to the Bernabeu, where he scored 450 times in 438 appearances.

Under contract in Manchester until 2023 (Transfermarkt), the report stated that ‘key figures’ at Los Blancos are considering a summer swoop.

While it remains to be seen whether Erik ten Hag views the Portuguese veteran as part of his plans, Ronaldo’s return of 23 goals and three assists in 36 appearances across all competitions this term makes him an essential part of the Red Devils’ squad.

Despite his advancing years, this season has proven that the Ronaldo remains amongst the upper echelons of footballers in front of goal as team-mates struggle around him, and with adequate support, Ten Hag could still make great use of the 37-year-old’s striking attributes.

Aside from his goals, the talismanic striker – who was described as ‘fantastic’ by Sir Alex Ferguson – has also completed 22.4 accurate passes per