Dirty TackleMan United fans fly 'Come home Ronaldo' plane banner over Real Madrid match
The "Moyes Out" plane banner seemed to work last season, so a Manchester United supporters group decided to have a plane fly the message "Come home, Ronaldo" over El Madrigal as Villarreal hosted Real Madrid. "Home" apparently meaning Manchester, and not his actual home of Madeira, Portugal. Or Madrid.
The banner comes amidst increased media chatter over Ronaldo possibly returning to Old Trafford, where he spent six seasons before joining Real Madrid for a world-record transfer fee. The Ballon d'Or winner has repeatedly spoken of his love for Man United and a desire to return at some point in the future, but just this week he said he has no immediate plans to leave Spain.
Said Ronaldo (via Sky Sports):
"It's all speculation, speaking about my future ... My future is Madrid. I'm happy.
"The season is going well and I'm not talking about my future, it doesn't make sense."
This didn't stop Man United supporters club United Reel from spending £3,000 ($4,873) to fly their banner, though. A press release from the group explained:
“Members from all over the world have donated their own money and resources to fund a mind game message, flown by plane during the Villarreal v Real Madrid match in a bid to demonstrate to Cristiano Ronaldo how much the United Faithful still love and support him.
“With the uncertainty regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s future, United Reel deem it essential the player can not only feel but also see how much the fans still love him and how proud they are of his achievements since he left Manchester United."
It remains unclear whether Ronaldo even noticed the banner during the few seconds it flew overhead. Though professional footballers usually don't make a habit of standing around and staring at the sky during matches in which they are actively playing.
He went on to score Madrid's second goal in the 40th minute, giving him eight in his last three matches.
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is the editor of Dirty Tackle on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him or follow on Twitter! Follow @BrooksDT
