That is according to The Sunday Times, who claim the Portuguese superstar’s stunning move back to the Red Devils was halted by Monaco wonderkid Kylian Mbappe.
During a tax case in July, Ronaldo told a Spanish court that he ”would like to go back to England”.
United - wary of being played again by a Real Madrid star eager to bag a big new contract - believed his desire to quit Spain was genuine.
Ronaldo indicated he was up for another crack at his old stomping ground while Bernabeu chiefs were open to striking a deal.
That prompted Real president Florentino Perez to try and sign Mbappe.
Perez agreed personal terms with the 18-year-old and his father, Wilfried.
Real were also willing to meet Monaco’s £165m asking price.
But The Sunday Times claim the it all fell apart when Mbappe realised he would be replacing Ronaldo.
The France international and his father called Perez to abandon the move because he did not want the pressure of filling the No.7’s boots.
Perez then attempted to raise the funds to buy Mbappe by offering Gareth Bale to United.
But former Tottenham star Bale snubbed the chance to return to the Premier League.
Despite intensive negotiations with Real, Mbappe ended up joining Paris St-Germain instead.
He will spend the season on loan with PSG, who have an obligation to buy him for £165m next summer.
