'That's between us' - Solskjaer denies alarming Cristiano Ronaldo reports

The Portugal captain made an emotional return to Old Trafford this summer after 12 years conquering Europe with Real Madrid and then Juventus.

In that time, he has become the benchmark for which modern day footballers aspire to reach as his standards consistently drive both himself and his teammates on.

Having scored five goals in five games for the Red Devils in his return, it has been a tremendous comeback already for the 36-year-old on a personal level.

Yet defeats to Young Boys in the Champions League, West Ham in the Carabao Cup and then Aston Villa in the Premier League has left United looking decidedly fragile and without the same intimidating aura they possessed during Ronaldo's first stint.

A report in ESPN suggested Ronaldo has urged for the ball to be played to him quicker after they limped past Villarreal on Wednesday evening at Old Trafford, courtesy of a scrappy goal in the dying embers of the game.

But the Norwegian has quickly moved to distance his star man from those quotes, admitting they talk behind the scenes.

"Oh yeah, that's another one," Solskjaer said. "Wow, what can you answer to that?

"What we speak about, that's between us. But we've not had that discussion to put it that way."

"He's had a great impact, both on and off the pitch," Solskjaer told talkSPORT. "How professional he is.

"You know, of course the goals, five goals in five games says everything. At his age, he is still fit.

"Of course, you have to manage him, we've got to make sure that we keep going with this form.

"He's a very good example for everyone; how he prepares, how he just conducts himself.

"It's been a very, very good impact so far and it's only been a month! So, long may it continue."