Manchester United fans REALLY want Ronaldo back!

In the last few days, word has circulated around social media that a banner will be flown over Villareal’s stadium, the Estadio el Madrigal, this weekend when they play Real Madrid.

This banner was created to grab the attention of  former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.

The banner states ‘Come Home Ronaldo’.

There is no doubt that Cristiano Ronaldo was, and indeed still is, well loved by Manchester United fans.

He achieved Premier League titles, a Champions League title and won his first Ballon d’Or during his stint in Manchester. But, Ronaldo has been at Madrid for five years.

Thinking about it logically, what good would it do Ronaldo to move back to United? It is plain to see that United haven’t quite gotten back to the winning ways they experienced under Sir Alex Ferguson.

This of course takes time – new manager Louis Van Gaal has only been at United since the summer, and new signings have been there a mere few weeks. Why would Cristiano leave Madrid, where he in impeccable form, and more importantly, is playing Champions League football and is able to come out on top in his rivalry with Lionel Messi? At this point in time, it doesn’t seem viable.

Not only that, but just how much would Ronaldo cost? Real Madrid paid £80 million for him back in 2009.

In recent years, the price of footballers has gotten out of control; the majority of players worth noting will not come at any less than £20-30 million. Ronaldo was the most expensive footballer in the world five years ago, but is now second most expensive following the transfer of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid last summer.

Ronaldo is scoring hat-tricks for fun,  has proven himself in various leagues, and is currently the world’s best footballer – what would his price tag be now, £100 million? Real Madrid seem to think £140 million – and the player himself would demand £500,000 per week in wages. Could he, and would he even be sold? Even if that is the case, the viability of finding the money is certainly doubtful.

In reality, this little stunt seems destined to do very little except grab some media attention. Ronaldo gets asked about Manchester United and a return in interviews all the time. Whilst he always admits his love for United, he has said that he is happy at Real Madrid, and has no intention of leaving. How will a banner change his mind?

It seems pretty childish in my opinion. As I’ve said, he has been gone for five years. Of course, Manchester United fans would welcome him back with open arms, but most fans don’t see how he would return any time soon. Ronaldo also isn’t what United need at this moment in time – the injury plagued defence should be top priority!

Manchester United fans. Will this banner work or is it just an embarrassing waste of money? Let us know your thoughts below or tweet us @LaFootyettes.