Jesse Lingard would love Manchester United to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to the club this summer.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s honeymoon period is well and truly over, with the club limping towards the finishing line and now facing the prospect of playing Europa League football next season.
A big rebuilding job is needed at Old Trafford and Lingard would love nothing more than to see Ronaldo return to the club.
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The 34-year-old shone for United over six memorable seasons and is coming to the end of his first campaign with perennial Serie A champions Juventus.
“I would love (United) to sign Ronaldo,” academy graduate Lingard told the Mirror.
“He has been one of the best players in the world over the last decade.
Jesse Lingard has had an up and down season (Martin Rickett/PA)
“He has been here before, so he would slot right back in.
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“Growing up he was just unbelievable to watch in a United shirt, so on a personal note it would be amazing to play with him.”
Press Association Sport understands United are preparing for a busier summer than usual at Old Trafford, where a three players in, three out approach is favoured.
United captain Antonio Valencia has not had his contract extended beyond the summer and Ander Herrera plans to leave at the end of his deal for Paris St Germain.
Juan Mata is also out of contract at the end of a season that could well see Matteo Darmian and Marcos Rojo leave for pastures new, while speculation continues over big names such as Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez.
A host of players have been linked with a move to United, who have yet to fill the technical director role. Numerous names have been spoken to about a job that the club aim to fill by the start of next season.
Press Association Sport understands that the club are keen to bring in some young British players, but Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka looks unlikely to be one of them.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has committed his immediate future to Crystal Palace (Paul Harding/PA)
“The situation just shows that my performances don’t go unnoticed,” the talented full-back told Standard Sport.
“But I am with Crystal Palace at the moment. That is where my contract is and that is where I will be next season.
“I have got three years left on my contract. It says I am going to be there, so that is all I can focus on now.”
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