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Louis van Gaal has told Manchester United to get him Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Dutchman has admitted for the first time that he wants to bring the Portuguese world footballer of the year back to Old Trafford.

When I asked Van Gaal whether he would target superstar Ronaldo, following reports in Spain that Real Madrid are ready to cash in on the player who cost them £80million when he left United in June 2009, his reply was unequivocal.

“Ronaldo plays on the wings and he is fast and scores goals,” said Van Gaal.

“There is no trainer in the world that doesn’t like him.

(Image: John Peters/Man Utd via Getty)

“Of course we are looking - but are looking at all players, not just Ronaldo. But these players are mostly ungettable.

“With Ronaldo, let’s wait and hope.”

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Van Gaal has made it clear to United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward that he needs world-class wideman to get his philosophy working at Old Trafford.

Memphis Depay, the Dutch flier who cost £25million in the summer, has failed to fill the void left by Angel Di Maria’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain - although he did score in Saturday's win over Watford.

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And now Van Gaal has confirmed that Ronaldo is his No 1 target.

Madrid want to recoup some cash on the man who has smashed the Bernabeu goals record in his six-and-a-half years at the club and Ronaldo is open to offers as his relationship with coach Rafa Benitez becomes more strained.

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PSG are prepared to break the bank to land the 30-year-old former Sporting Lisbon starlet, but Woodward is under pressure to bring a stellar name to United - and Ronaldo has made no secret that he still loves the club that made him.

(Image: Getty)

Financially, United have never been stronger, with annual revenues expected to break through the £500million barrier on the back of new kit sponsorship and TV deals.

And matching Ronaldo’s current £300,000-a-week wages would not be a problem, given the commercial revenues the transfer would generate.