Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during their Spanish First Division soccer match against Sevilla at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville March 26, 2014.
Cristiano Ronaldo Reuters

Manchester United legend Gary Neville believes Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Old Trafford.

The Portuguese international left the 20-times English champions and joined the Spanish club in 2009. Since his move to Real, the forward has become the La Liga giants' star player.

Ronaldo helped Carlo Ancelotti's side win the Copa del Rey and the Champions League last season. Two of Real's other key players, Xabi Alonso and Angel di Maria, were allowed to leave - the latter joining United.

Ronaldo is reportedly unhappy after Real sold two of his most experienced teammates, and Neville believes that there is now a real chance of United's former number 7 returning to his old club.

"It's [Ronaldo's move has] been rumoured for a year or so" Neville told Sky Sports. "There was talk last summer that it was either going to be Cristiano Ronaldo or Gareth Bale and there are rumours of Cristiano not being happy in Madrid.

"Obviously last year they won the Champions League, so has he achieved what he wanted to achieve in Madrid? Has he done what he set out to do? That's question one.

"Does he love Manchester? Does he love United? Yes, absolutely. He has talked more and more in the last 12 to 18 months about how he misses Old Trafford.

"The reception he got there and the way the fans reacted towards him, I've not seen that for many players. Eric Cantona and him were incredible reactions from the fans every single week. It was almost like an incredible belief in the stadium every time he played."

Neville believes United's recent 'van Gaalactico' transfer policy has also made a move for Ronaldo more likely.

"You'd have to say that with what they've done with Di Maria and Falcao it's more possible, it has to be, because they've shown the real intent to go and sign world-class players.

"We sat here three or four months ago deliberating over whether Manchester United could attract world-class talent. They've absolutely smashed that question out of the water."

However Neville finished by Joking that United "need a centre-back by the way. Can he [Ronaldo] play centre-back?!"