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Rumoured Man United target Joao Palhinha opens up on being put 'at ease' by Cristiano Ronaldo after his first international call-up, with superstar tipped to be crucial if club move for him in bid to bolster midfield

Cristiano Ronaldo may prove crucial to helping Manchester United solve their midfield woes, with the superstar holding a close relationship with rumoured transfer target Joao Palhinha.

The two are said to have spoken while on international duty with Portugal, meaning United could have been handed a major boost as they ponder over swooping in for the highly-rated Sporting Lisbon man.

It has been suggested that Palhinha wants to play in the Premier League one day, after catching the eye at the same club which thrust a teenaged Ronaldo into the spotlight before he joined United.