Real did all they could to unsettle the Portugal international last season, with coach Bernd Schuster constantly telling Spanish media that Ronaldo was their No 1 priority.

Schuster has continued to court the 23-year-old this campaign, and only yesterday was quoted as saying: "Manchester United are going to find it very difficult to retain Cristiano next summer.

"He's full of pride about the idea of coming to Madrid. We're full of hope we'll sign him next season."

These remarks will not go down well with United fans, who are sick of hearing quotes eminating from Madrid regarding their star player.

However, Ronaldo himself has vowed to do all he can to help Sir Alex Ferguson's men retain their Premier League and Champions League crowns, and believes most United supporters have welcomed him back into their hearts.

He said: "In the game when I came back against Villarreal I wasn't nervous but just a bit excited about how the fans would react to me.

"Thank God things went well. This shows people have not forgotten all the good things we've done together and I'm very happy with that.

"Things are going pretty well. I'd love a repeat of last season and continue to show some good progression."

Ronaldo scored 42 goals in all competitions last term as United claimed domestic and European success.

His return to first-team action this year was delayed as he recovered from an ankle operation following Euro 2008.

However, the Portuguese has scored twice since making his comeback and is slowly returning to the form that makes him one of the favourites for the Fifa World Player of the Year award in December.