Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer to Man Utd was completed in Gary Lineker's garden

Gary Lineker has let slip Cristiano Ronaldo's sensational return to Manchester United was completed in his garden.

Lineker is neighbours and close friends with United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, who spent the closing stages of the summer transfer window trying to bring Ronaldo back to the club from Juventus.

Woodward's efforts were rewarded as the Red Devils struck a £20million deal to sign the five-time Ballon d'Or winner 12 years on from when he left Old Trafford for Real Madrid.

Remarkably, the final stages of negotiations took place in Lineker's garden, where Woodward was locked in a phone call with Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes.

Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Manchester United was confirmed on deadline day ( Image:

Manchester United via Getty Imag)

Lineker even claims he has a photograph of Woodward talking to Mendes, telling the the Match of the Day Top 10 podcast : "I'll put my cards on the table - Ed Woodward is a good friend of mine and lives next door.

"He signed Cristiano Ronaldo when he was in my garden! When he walked in he was on the phone to Jorge Mendes - I hope I'm not giving too much away!

"I have a fantastic picture of him sat on the phone to him which I might share one day with his permission."

United announced Ronaldo had signed a two-year contract with the option for another year on 27 August and the transfer was confirmed on deadline day.

The Portugal captain has quickly adapted to life back in England, scoring five goals in the first six appearances of his second stint with United.

Lineker's co-host Alan Shearer believes it was a "no-brainer" for Woodward to pursue the striker, declaring Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are "ready to challenge" for silverware with Ronaldo leading the line.

"Man United have not been challenging over the last few years - they're viewed differently now with Ronaldo and rightly so," said Shearer. "They are ready to challenge."

The Premier League's record goalscorer added: "Signing him was a no-brainer for Man Utd - they cannot lose in this situation.

"They sold Dan James for £25 million and brought Ronaldo in for the same price."

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Manchester United chief Ed Woodward spoke to super-agent Jorge Mendes in Gary Lineker's garden ( Image:

PA)

Ronaldo has been in brilliant form since his return to Old Trafford, but he was reportedly left furious after his benching against Everton on Saturday.

Solskjaer's side dropped more points at home as they were held to a 1-1 draw by the Toffees, with Ronaldo storming down the tunnel at the full-time whistle.

The 36-year-old will lead Portugal against Qatar in a friendly on Saturday and Luxembourg in a World Cup qualifier next week.