Manchester United seem convinced that Cristiano Ronaldo will not move to Real Madrid this summer, according to reports. The Daily Mail claims that both Sir Alex Ferguson and United chief executive David Gill believe the Portuguese winger will remain at Old Trafford, despite constant interest from Real and speculation that a deal is close.
Madrid daily Marca claimed on Friday that a deal was 'hours or days' away from completion, but United issued a swift denial, claiming that their top-scorer was not for sale. "It is utter nonsense and totally laughable. Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale" said a club spokesman.
Now, the Mail quotes a United 'source' as saying: 'David (Gill)'s position mirrors that of the manager. The fact is that Ronaldo will not be sold this summer. 'Real Madrid can offer what they want. It won' t happen. 'This whole business has infuriated everybody at the club and it is very much seen as a point of principle now.
'If Ronaldo is allowed to leave then what message does it send out to the rest of the squad? We would have chaos on our hands.' The paper claims that United believe Real have 'scaled down' their pursuit of Ronaldo, and will only make a move should the player hand in a transfer request.
Interestingly, it is also claimed that several European clubs - including Barcelona - have contacted United and urged them to make a stand and not cave in to Real's demands.
Ferguson is also concerned about the message it would send to the rest of his squad if Ronaldo was allowed to leave without protest, and although this situation will almost certainly re-surface next summer, it would be a significant victory for the club if they kept their prize asset in the face of such pressure.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo looks like he may miss the start of the new season thanks to ankle surgery.
