The Dutch manager firmly believes that the Portuguese ace will complete their squad, but plays down rumors of an Old Trafford return.

Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal gave the club’s legion of faithful supporters a glimmer of hope of a possible return for Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford by admitting he is exactly the player they need to compete with their rivals for the English Premier League.

Rumors linking Real Madrid superstar to the 20-time champions carry on, and though both the player himself and Dutch manager constantly play down such suggestions, they continue to persist.

The three-time Ballon d’Or winner remains a favorite of the Man United supporters despite his 2009 exit, and Van Gaal admits to being fully aware that the player still lingers in the fans’ hearts. 

"I can imagine that. He is a fantastic player, I like him," said the 63-year-old.

The former Bayern Munich and Netherlands boss was then asked if Ronaldo was the player to complete his squad, in which he responded with: "Of course."

The belief is that the Portuguese attacker has grown frustrated with president Florentino Perez and his decision to sack Carlo Ancelotti and appoint Rafael Benitez, and yearns for a return to Old Trafford, where his rise to stardom all began.

The 30-year-old Sporting Lisbon product enjoyed six successful seasons with the Red Devils in which he won three Premier League crowns, one FA Cup title, and one Champions League medal, alongside the coveted Ballon d’Or

Furthermore, the Red Devils are reportedly on the hunt for a world-class attacker to help carry the goalscoring burden currently on Wayne Rooney’s shoulder, though Van Gaal claims their top target is yet to be linked with the club.

However, Goal report Van Gaal as denying any possible return to the Theatre of Dreams for Cristiano in the near future, saying: “Ronaldo? He may come, but it is not possible. Why not? Because you have the club [Real], Ronaldo and then you have Manchester United and how much Manchester United want to spend.”

Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, Manchester City, International Champions Cup 2015, International Champions Cup

When discussing the issue of Angel Di Maria’s almost inevitable Man United exit, the manager underlined his desire to see the Argentine stay, despite being on the brink of a PSG deal.

"We still need more speed in front and also more creativity. That is why I hope Di Maria shall stay. But we don't know that.

"Ashley Young and Juan Mata had fantastic seasons, with assists and goals but to win the Champions League you need speed also. That is why I think, maybe, we still have to buy a player with speed and creativity."