Carlo Ancelotti has only been in charge at Real Madrid for one day… but big things are already starting to happen.

Today reports in the Spanish media state that Cristiano Ronaldo is set to meet Manchester United, as the Portuguese superstar seeks a return to Old Trafford.

Talk of Ronaldo returning to the Red Devils had diminished in recent weeks, however the 28-year-old attacker will now be the subject of intense transfer speculation as his future at Real seems more uncertain.

And with new United manager David Moyes remaining tight-lipped since taking over the hot-seat from Sir Alex Ferguson, you can’t help but wonder what’s going on behind the scenes in Manchester.

However, the English champions will have to fork out around $100 million to pay for Portugal’s captain and spend over $20 million a year on his wages, with bonuses.

That is an astronomical amount of cash for a player that is out of contract in 18-months time. Many believe that Ronaldo should wait until his contract at Madrid runs out before making his next move. However with Ancelotti arriving and a new dawn approaching at the Bernabeu, maybe now would be a good time for Cristiano to assess his options.

Manchester United are about the only side Ronaldo would leave Real Madrid for, with his affection for the club clear for all to see. With Sir Alex steeping down but still involved behind the scenes at United, that could persuade Ronaldo into making the switch back to the Premier League.

As I write this, images of Ronaldo linking up with former Real boss José Mourinho at Chelsea flash through my mind and I just can’t see that happening. Also it would be unthinkable for Ronaldo to join Manchester City, such is his affection for the Manchester United ethos and the way they nurtured his talent throughout his formative years.

This “meeting” is obviously illegal under Fifa rules but it is going to happen anyway. Either way, if Ronaldo does express an interest in returning to play for Manchester United then the Premier League champions should pull out all the stops to get him back.

201 goals in 199 games since joining Real Madrid…. Yeah, your job in Spain is done Cristiano. Surely it is time to return “home” to Old Trafford…