Michael Carrick admits it was 'a joy' playing with Cristiano Ronaldo amid speculation of Manchester United return

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has said it was a “joy” to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo during his time at Old Trafford, but refused to be drawn on the forward’s future amid speculation of a move away from Real Madrid this summer.

After joining United from Tottenham in 2006, Carrick spent three years playing with Ronaldo before he left for Real in 2009.

The Portuguese’s future at the Bernabeu has now been thrown into question after he was accused of defrauding the Spanish authorities out of € 14.7m, prompting the 32-year-old to make the “irreversible” decision to leave the club.

Ronaldo is now said to be rethinking his position, and Carrick has insisted that speculation surrounding the player is “not my business”.

"I haven't really given it too much thought to be honest with you," Carrick told Sky Sports.

"Listen, you don't need me to say, everyone knows what type of a player he is and how good he is and what a career he's had.

"It's not for me to get involved in whether he comes to Manchester United, whether he leaves Madrid or not, that's not my business at this moment in time.

"Of course, I was lucky enough to play with him. It was just a joy to work so close to him and see how he plays.

"We will see how it pans out over the next few weeks and months."

Despite reports Ronaldo will be returning to United, numerous figures have expressed their belief that the player will be staying put in Spain for the foreseeable future.

Florentino Perez, the Real Madrid president, defended Ronaldo in a full-length interview with Onda Cero in which he claimed the tax issues were simply a "misunderstanding" and denied that the forward would ask to leave in an attempt to have any fines paid by the club.

"Cristiano has a contract and he is a Real Madrid player,” Perez said. “I have not talked with Cristiano.... but they tell me has been treated badly in this country. I have found everything out through the newspapers.

"The last time that I talked with Cristiano was in Cardiff, after the game. What happened with the tax authorities was after the game.

"Life throws up unexpected situations but one has to take them on and find a solution."

Ronaldo is currently on international duty with Portugal at the Confederations Cup and was named man of the match in his side's recent win against Russia after heading home the winning goal.