There isn’t a Manchester United fan on the planet who wouldn’t love to see Cristiano Ronaldo line up for the Red Devils again.

Given his unrivalled stature at Real Madrid, the chances of it actually happening have been slim at best for several years.

But the 33-year-old has filled the Old Trafford faithful with hope after seemingly calling time on his Los Blancos career in the wake of last month’s Champions League final.

“It has been very nice to be at Real Madrid,” Ronaldo said shortly after the final whistle secured their third straight title in the competition.

Unsurprisingly, his comments triggered yet another wave of optimism that he would ditch the Santiago Bernabeu and return to Manchester this summer.

How could Ronaldo become so desperate to quit Madrid all of a sudden, though?

Well, it’s believed club president Florentino Perez has so far been reluctant to offer him a new contract including wages on par with Lionel Messi and Neymar.

The Portuguese forward has claimed the terms of his next deal - whether with Madrid or another club - isn’t the biggest factor in deciding his future.

Despite Ronaldo still having the freedom to play for virtually any club in the world, his compatriot Luis Figo believes he would be making a mistake if he jumped ship this summer.

"Many times, what you want or what you are going to be doesn't depend only on you but on other factors that so many don't realise," he said, per the Express.

"But Ronaldo is at the best club in the world and I think that he should finish his career here.

"Logically for him, it has been shown that what he has gained and did in Madrid wouldn't happen everywhere.

"Madrid have also given him a lot in terms of prestige and that has also helped him to win individually.”

Ronaldo appears to disagree to some extent and, according to Manchester Evening News, has become “sad” and “determined to leave” for a club in either England, France or Italy.

Likely in reference to stalling contract negotiations with Real, the report says his strained relationship with Perez stems from “broken promises and a lack of support”.

Having concerns of that nature makes Old Trafford an appealing destination for Ronaldo, meaning the United hierarchy probably won’t ever get a better opportunity to snap up their club legend.

Ed Woodward, however, has no interest in being drawn into the same wild goose chase of 12 months ago when Ronaldo created a similar situation.

In terms of timing, the move makes sense for both parties even though Jose Mourinho would likely struggle to fit Ronaldo into his current plans.

Would it be worthwhile for United to bring back Ronaldo this summer? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment.