Spanish football expert Guillem Balague believes that Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo could return to former club Manchester United in two years' time.

Speculation linking the 29-year-old with a move back to Old Trafford has intensified in recent days after United supporters flew a banner over El Madrigal during Madrid's 2-0 victory over Villarreal.

However, Balague says that Ronaldo will stay put in the Spanish capital for at least another season, despite 'dreaming' of playing for the Red Devils once more.

"It is quite clear that Manchester United are letting all this continue because they are interested in Cristiano Ronaldo," he told Sky Sports News. "Cristiano Ronaldo dreams and would like to go back to Manchester United. It's just the timing which I think people are getting wrong.

"People want this to happen in January, if possible. It's not going to happen. In the summer? I don't think it's going to happen. Real Madrid have got no intention whatsoever of selling Cristiano Ronaldo next summer.

"In two years' time I would say yes, that is possibly the time when he will be 31 going on 32, for Real Madrid to say: 'OK, if we can cash in on him, brilliant. He has done a lot for us, but that's it, time to move on. I don't think it's going to happen this summer. People will have to be a little bit more patient."

Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti last week rejected rumours suggesting that Ronaldo wanted to leave the Champions League holders.