Sir Alex Ferguson on how Cristiano Ronaldo could one day return to Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Cristiano Ronaldo could one day make a sensational return to play for Manchester United.

Although Ronaldo joined Real Madrid this summer in a world-record £80million deal, Fergie said he can see the World and European Player of the Year coming back to Old Trafford.

"He may come back, you never know," said Fergie. "Sometimes it happens that way. He loved United. If you look back at the six years he had with us, he never missed training.

"That's one of the things he has above all other players - he was never injured, he always played.

"And his best is yet to come. He's only 24. He came to the right club at the right part of his career.

"He could have gone to Real Madrid, Barcelona or other clubs. But he came to the right one and appreciates that. It was always his intention to make his move.

"There's no doubt he's a huge loss and I think it's a challenge for us. It won't be the same without Ronaldo, it can't be.

"He's the best player in this world by absolutely miles, streets ahead of Lionel Messi, and Kaka."

Fergie added United will have to play a different way without their superstar. "We will be more compact, with a different shape in midfield," he added.

"We will have an increasing maturity in players like Darren Fletcher (left), and Owen Hargreaves will come back, so I don't think we'll be bad."

Could you write about your football team? Mirror.co.uk is looking for football fans to blog about their club next season. Email dan.silver@mirror.co.uk and explain why you want to be the voice of your club on Mirror.co.uk

Get player videos and transfer news round-ups on the Football Spy blog .

FREE £25 BET WITH BETFAIR