Fergie expects Real return

Red Devils boss ready for Ronaldo interest to resurface

By James Pearson   Last updated: 21st September 2008

Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United training

Ronaldo: Targeted by Real

It will all start up again in January. But I am ready for that to happen now.

Ferguson on Ronaldo
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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed he fully expects Real Madrid to come knocking again for Cristiano Ronaldo in January.

The Liga giants made the Portugal superstar their number one target over the summer, but The Red Devils stood their ground and to the delight of many kept his services.

Despite Ronaldo having four years left on his Old Trafford contract, Ferguson expects Real Madrid's interest to resurface come the turn of the New Year.

However, this time the experienced Scottish tactician will be prepared to defend anything the Santiago Bernabeu try to land United's prized asset.

Real won't go away

"Of course Real Madrid won't go away," he told the Sunday Mirror.

"I said when Gabby Heinze left the club that Madrid could resurface for Ronaldo.

"It is going to happen again. It will all start up again in January. But I am ready for that to happen now."

See Ronaldo and co in action when they tackle Chelsea at Stamford Bridge live and exclusively only on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 1 HD.