Fergie Doubts Cristiano Ronaldo Return

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes it would be 'very difficult' to ever bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford.

The Portuguese superstar scored 118 goals in 292 appearances for United before leaving for Real Madrid in 2009 for a world-record fee of £80million.

Ronaldo helped United to Premier League glory on more than one occasion and was also part of the team who won the 2008 UEFA Champions League.

Ferguson has fond memories of the now-26-year-old's time in England, but has virtually ruled out a return, despite rumours the player might be interested.

"It would be very difficult," said Ferguson, ahead of Sunday's crucial Premier League match against Arsenal.

"He had a great time here, but he is at a great club now too."

Ferguson continues to think of Ronaldo as the best player in the world, despite the competing claims of Lionel Messi, and wasted little time seeking him out on Wednesday after ending Real's controversial 2-0 defeat to Barcelona.

"I spoke to him after the game," said Ferguson. "He had a great time here, we got six years out of him. We got him as a kid and he went to Madrid a man.

"He is enjoying being there and though he might not have been at his best on Wednesday, he is still a great player."