Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Man United: Players past and present rejoice on social media

Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Manchester United was not just a shock to football fans. 

Those inside the game seemed in disbelief, too, but United players past and present were ecstatic at the news. 

Ronaldo's return

News of Ronaldo's impending move from Juventus sparked an outpouring of joy on social media. 

Among the first to react was a man who apparently played a role in bringing Ronaldo back to Old Trafford, former skipper Rio Ferdinand. 

He was not alone, as another former Red Devils legend, Edwin van der Sar, also weighed in. 

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But it was the current United players who seemed most pleased about Ronaldo's return.

Perhaps the most poignant offerings on social media, though, came from players who will now get to take the pitch alongside a childhood idol, as Bruno Fernandes and Jesse Lingard indicated Friday.