Sir Alex Ferguson is lining up a sensational move for Cristiano Ronaldo, according to British Tabloid the Daily Mirror.
The report states that Ferguson is keen to bring the former United player back to Old Trafford, if he is firm on quitting Real Madrid. Ronaldo last week said he was sad for professional reasons.
While Ronaldo soon after reaffirmed his commitment to the club, the rumors have kept rumbling about a possible exit for the forward. Ronaldo is reportedly disappointed with his current contract situation, as well as his relationship with some of his teammates.
The Portuguese is sad about a perceived lack of support from the Spanish club, and if the situation deteriorates, Ferguson has asked the Glazers to back him no matter what to bring Ronaldo to United.
"The manager made it clear when Ronaldo joined Real that if he ever left the Bernabeu he should return to Old Trafford," a United source told the Mirror.
"It's a transfer that would prove that United can still compete with anyone for the biggest names in football.
"But, at the moment, only Ronaldo knows whether he is serious about leaving Madrid or whether he's just having a sulk."
Ronaldo joined Real three years ago for a world record fee of £80 million ($128 million), and according to the report, Real president Florentino Perez will sanction a deal of around £100 million ($160 million) if Ronaldo asks to leave.
Manchester City are reportedly not in the running for the former World Player of the Year, and Ronaldo will not consider a move to United's rivals, out of respect for Ferguson, who the forward still looks up to as a father figure.
The chances of Ronaldo making a move back to Old Trafford are extremely slim. United are deep in debt after the Glazers took over the company, and while the American owners have sanctioned a couple big-money moves, paying over £100 million for a 27-year-old, even if he is one of the best players in the world, might not be possible.
Interestingly, some other reports suggest, Ronaldo and Real are preparing a joint statement, citing both parties' commitment to working towards sorting out the issues.