Manchester United transfer news: Louis van Gaal admits interest in signing Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo

The Manchester United manager has admitted that Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is one of his targets as he looks to add speed and creativity to his side. The Dutch manager has reiterated his desire to bring players who can add pace on the wings and admits that the Portuguese attacker is on his wish list, like he is for managers of all top clubs around Europe.

The 20-time English champions have been linked with a move for their former player in recent months, and the player has himself not ruled out a return to Old Trafford. Van Gaal, however, understands that it will be very difficult to get the Spanish capital club to part with their prized asset and has admitted that he is also looking at other players in similar positions. Ronaldo spent six years at Old Trafford before moving to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2009.

"Ronaldo plays on the wings and he is fast and scores goals. There is no trainer in the world that doesn't like him," Van Gaal said, as quoted by the Mirror.

"Of course we are looking - but are looking at all players, not just Ronaldo. But these players are mostly ungettable. With Ronaldo, let's wait and hope," the Dutchman added.

Van Gaal, meanwhile, was also delighted to see his team return to the top of the Premier League table albeit just for a couple of hours before being overtaken by high flying Leicester City, who are currently top of the table following losses to Arsenal and Manchester City on Saturday (21 November).

"Of course we are fighting for the first position in the Premier League. Okay, we might only be top for one hour [before the other fixtures] but we are there for the second time this season. Every week, we are getting closer, but at the end [of the season] is the important time," the former Bayern Munich manager told United's official site.