Cristiano Ronaldo fever gripped just about everyone last summer when Old Trafford's favourite son returned to Manchester United 12 years after he first left for Real Madrid.
Even ex-Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho was seemingly swept up in all the good feeling as he gave his thoughts on Ronaldo's return after United spent around £20million plus add-ons to bring him back to the club from Juventus. Pressed for comment on the switch, the self-proclaimed 'special one' explained: "It's logical. If Juventus are happy, if Ronaldo is happy and Manchester United are happy, then it's a perfect deal."
Twelve months later and the decision to sign Ronaldo for a second time is looking like anything but the 'perfect deal' from United's perspective, and Mourinho's prediction has left him somewhat red-faced. The 37-year-old is rumoured to be furious with the club's supposed lack of activity in the transfer market, so much so that he has told the hierarchy he wishes to leave this summer.
Whether that accusation surrounding United's transfer dealings is fair is up for debate given they announced the signing of Tyrell Malacia earlier this week. His arrival is expected to be followed up with the acquisition of Christian Eriksen on a free transfer in the coming days.
The club are also still firmly in the hunt for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, though talks between the two sides have seemingly stalled over the past few days. Ajax winger Antony is also admired by those running things at United, but all of this still does not seem to be enough to tempt Ronaldo into any kind of U-turn.
If a club that boasts Champions League football next season comes in for the forward, Ronaldo has demanded he be allowed to leave for a new challenge elsewhere. The idea of playing in European club football's most elite competition next term is a huge pull for the Portugal captain.
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The forward's desperation to leave United is thought to be so strong he is willing to take a further pay cut from his new Red Devils' wage just so he can play for a club that he feels matches his ambitions.
United's worst season of their Premier League era saw them scrape Europa League qualification on the final day at the expense of West Ham, a competition Ronaldo has no desire to play in. It has also interfered with the icon's wages, which could be the final straw in the eyes of the ex-Real Madrid man.
Ronaldo was paid £480,000-a-week last season, but due to a lack of Champions League football meaning he cannot meet certain clauses within his contract, that number is expected to drop to £360,00-a-week.
The player's agent Jorge Mendes met with American businessman and new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly last month and the prospect of Ronaldo making a stunning Stamford Bridge switch did come up in conversation.
As a result, the Blues are now surprise favourites to sign the 37-year-old from their direct Premier League rivals. Other European giants like Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with a move for Ronaldo.
United officials are still sweating over whether Ronaldo will be present for the club's pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia. The players will jet off later this week, but as of yet their talismanic forward is yet to return for pre-season training despite being scheduled to.
