Juan Mata does not believe Cristiano Ronaldo will make a shock comeback to Manchester United.

The Portuguese star is again being linked with a potential return to Old Trafford as speculation regarding his future at the Santiago Bernabeu remains constant.

However, Red Devils attacking midfielder Mata feels it would be very tricky for United to land the services of one of football's greatest ever players.

"I think it's difficult for that to happen, in truth," he told Goal.com.

"The respect and admiration that the people have for Cristiano [in Manchester] is incredible.

"You see it at the training ground, at the stadium, with so many photos of when he won all those titles there and did so well on a personal level as well.

"But it's complicated with him at a club like Real Madrid and happy there, which I think he is. He is a player who makes the difference in any league, obviously.

"But as it's very complicated at the moment, I prefer to focus on the players who are here, on playing well and achieving the club's objectives."