United fans to fly flag urging Ronaldo return

A banner urging Cristiano Ronaldo to return “home” to Manchester United will be flown over El Madrigal when Real Madrid play Villarreal.

The Portugal forward has been linked with a move back to Old Trafford and one United fans’ group is doing its bit to make it happen.

United Reel, which describes itself as an organisation for “die hard Manchester United fans from every corner of the globe”, has raised funds to send a clear signal to Ronaldo during Real’s La Liga match at Villarreal on Saturday.

The banner will display the words: ‘Come home Ronaldo – United Reel.’

A statement from the group explained the purpose of the stunt.

“United Reel has active supporters on every continent of the world and we are all united by our love for Cristiano both as a footballer and as a person,” the statement read. “We stand united in our views and we won’t step until we bring Ronaldo home.”

Rumours of Ronaldo’s unrest at the Santiago Bernabeu intensified when former Real president Ramon Calderon claimed that the 29-year-old was disillusioned with life at the club and unhappy with current incumbent Florentino Perez.

However, Ronaldo spoke out after Tuesday’s 5-1 win over Elche – in which he scored four goals – to dismiss any rumours that he was looking for a transfer away from the European champions.

“It’s all speculation, speaking about my future … my future is Madrid. I’m happy,” he said in quotes reported by AS.

“The season is going well and I’m not talking about my future, it doesn’t make sense.”

Nonetheless, a reunion with United remains high on the wish-list of the Premier League club’s fans, particularly in light of their recent decline, which saw the 20-times English champions finish seventh last season.

Louis van Gaal has found the going as tough as predecessor David Moyes did and, following Sunday’s 5-3 loss to Leicester City, United are 12th.

Ronaldo enjoyed much happier times in Manchester, winning three Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.