Manchester United's board seriously believed they could bring Cristiano Ronaldo back from Real Madrid during the summer. The Sunday Mirror says United chief Ed Woodward was tasked with bringing in at least one world-class player to help David Moyes with the challenge of replacing Sir Alex Ferguson as manager.
And even boasted during United's pre-season tour that there were limitless funds available.
Discussions about bringing Ronaldo back to Old Trafford took place at the highest level last season.
And the belief that the Portuguese star could be prised from Real Madrid was strengthened by his contract stand-off at the Bernabeu and the Spanish club's world-record chase for Gareth Bale.
It has left Woodward facing a fight to repair his reputation, just a few months after he was promoted to become the club's deal-maker following the departure of David Gill from Old Trafford.
