Rumours began flying on Monday evening, via the mediums of Facebook, Twitter and Reddit, that Cristiano Ronaldo was in Manchester today for an unspecified reason.

On Twitter, a Sky Sports editor originally claimed Ronaldo had arrived in Manchester whilst United legend Paddy Crerand then said as much on MUTV, confirming he had received a text from his son with the same information.

The more believable Manchester United fans have put a number of facts together and run with this rumour. Including:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo has still to sign a new deal at Real Madrid. His current deal expires at the end of 2014/2015.

2. Antonio Valencia vacated the Manchester United number 7 shirt yesterday.

3. David Moyes is still yet to secure a major marquee signing this summer.

4. Real Madrid need the cash to sign Gareth Bale.

To add to the intrigue. Cristiano Ronaldo was one of a select few players allowed to turn up for Portugal training late, before their international friendly with Holland on Wednesday.

This is a fact, via Portuguese paper Abola.pt.

Before you do get carried away, bear in mind that transfer rumours now fly on the social networks in record fashion – we have ourselves been duped on more than one occasion this summer.

And, it is 10 years to the day that Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Manchester United.