(FILES) In this file photo taken on December 03, 2007 Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Manchester United heads his second goal past Dejan Stefanovic of Fulham during the Premier league football match, 03 December 2007 at Old Trafford, Manchester, north-west England. – Manchester United announced on Friday they have reached a deal to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus, 12 years after he left Old Trafford for Real Madrid. (Photo by Andrew YATES / AFP)
WOLVERHAMPTON, England – Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea said it will be a dream to have Cristiano Ronaldo back at Manchester United as the Portuguese forward nears a move to the Premier League club.
United agreed on a deal with Juventus on Friday to bring Ronaldo back to the club where he spent six seasons between 2003 and 2009, winning eight major trophies during that time plus the Ballon d’Or as the world’s best player in 2008.
Asked following United’s 1-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday in the Premier League about Ronaldo’s imminent return, De Gea joked: “Who?”
The Spaniard then told Sky Sports: “It’s like a dream to have him back, it will be great – it’s already great, you can feel it in the atmosphere. Hopefully, he can bring something special to make the team even better.”
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also relishing the return of the 36-year-old Portugal international.
“Of course we need to get the paperwork done and we can get it sorted and we can announce it very soon,” Solskjaer said. “And then he is away with Portugal.
“Ronaldo was not signed to sit on the bench.
“We will get him back to Manchester with (Portugal teammate) Bruno (Fernandes), and hopefully he will be involved as soon as possible.”
De Gea was named man of the match after making several fine saves to keep United in the game on Sunday as Wolves dominated for long spells, before Mason Greenwood popped up with the winner 10 minutes from time.
United’s victory meant they set the record for the longest unbeaten away run in English Football League history at 28 games, beating Arsenal’s mark from April 2003-September 2004.
“It’s good to win, but now it’s time to play for titles,” the Spaniard added. “Records are okay, but you have to go for titles. We didn’t play so well, but it’s a massive win for us.”