Real ignore talk of Ronaldo return to United

Posted Thursday, May 09, 2013 by Foxsports.com

Real Madrid assistant manager Aitor Karanka has downplayed reports that Cristiano Ronaldo is set for a sensational return to Manchester United.

Madrid made Barcelona wait a while more before being crowned La Liga champions after destroying nine-man Malaga 6-2 at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.

Ronaldo was central to the win as he notched up his 200th goal at the club since joining from United in 2009.

His goal came just hours after United made the shock announcement of Sir Alex Ferguson's plan to retire at the end of the season.

As a side story to the major news of his former manager, it has been suggested that United want to bring Ronaldo back to the club with Wayne Rooney reportedly keen on a move to Bayern Munich.
But Karanka isn't buying into the speculation.

"The ideal place for Ronaldo is Real Madrid," he said at the post-Malaga news conference.

"The coach [Jose Mourinho] has already answered questions about Ronaldo. The kind of player he is and the club where he is, Real Madrid, are good for each other.

"He will keep getting better. Here is the ideal place and for Real Madrid it is great to have him".

Karanka was also forced to address Mourinho's future at the club after the Real manager skipped out on the press conference amid rumours of a move back to the Barclays Premier League with Chelsea - and United.

"I will think about it when the day comes that I have to. If the coach stays here, I will continue with him and if he goes elsewhere, we'll have to see," he said.

"In the future I would like to coach on my own but right now these aren't things that I am planning. If you were paying attention to those things you wouldn't be able to live your life. Now I have to enjoy what I am doing and work hard."

Barcelona are a win away from dethroning Madrid as La Liga champions.
Meanwhile, United are expected to announce a successor to Ferguson in the next 24 hours.