Yeah I would expect that if he were to ever come to United he would be competing for a forward spot considering we like to play with traditional wingers, couldn't see him being signed as a centre midfielder. That's a reason I doubt we'll sign him. There were rumours we were interested before he went to Madrid but I was sceptical then and think its less likely now as he would command a much higher fee.
Pretty sure he's played the majority of their games, he was sent off in the Super Cup so probably missed a few games because of that. Also might have been rotated with Kaka who wasn't fit for much of last season. I'm fairly certain that he is first choice at Madrid which makes it highly unlikely they'll sell him, absolutely certain they won't in January.