Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United return would confirm the Red Devils are back

Manchester, England: The Portuguese, who cost Real Madrid a then world record £80m in 2009, has made no secret of his continued affection for Old Trafford.

After all the stunning signings made to herald the Louis Van Gaal era, the return of one man would confirm Manchester United really are back.

Even during the Dutchman’s emphatic first win on Sunday, the Stretford End sang about the superstar they would most like to see at Old Trafford: “Get on the plane, bring him back from Spain, Viva Ronaldo.”

And this undying love for the reigning World Player of the Year is not unrequited.

His current club will begin their defence of the Champions League tomorrow night while his former employees are already out of the Capital One Cup.

But Ronaldo still misses his footballing home in England five years after leaving for Real Madrid and hankers to return.

To a Manchester United where Van Gaal is building a new empire with exciting new names being added to the old guard represented by Wayne Rooney.

Where players are not bought and sold to merely generate headlines and shirt sales.

And where the club’s captain is not whistled and jeered on the 15th anniversary of his debut like goalkeeper Iker Casillas at the weekend.

Ronaldo, who cost Real Madrid a then world record £80m in 2009, has made no secret of his continued affection for Old Trafford.

In July, he said: “I miss English football. For me, it was one of the best years in my career when I was there in Manchester United. Everyone knows that it is a club that is still in my heart and I really, really miss. But now my life is in Spain. I am enjoying playing there too.”

And in the recent international break, he returned to his favourite subject.

“I love Manchester,” he stated. “Everyone knows that - I have said it many times. Manchester is in my heart. I left many good friends there, the supporters are amazing and I wish I can come back one day.”

Ronaldo considered a return last summer before his mentor Sir Alex Ferguson retired. But after a recent record £750m kit deal with Adidas, one business analyst claimed Manchester United can sign “a Suarez every year” for the next decade if they please.