Sir Alex Ferguson has categorically denied reports that Cristiano Ronaldo is set to join Real Madrid.
United boss refutes Ronaldo sale suggestions
Sir Alex Ferguson has categorically denied reports that Cristiano Ronaldo is set to join Real Madrid.
The Manchester United winger dominated headlines throughout the summer, with Real believed to be willing to smash the world transfer record in order to get their man.
However, the Portuguese superstar ultimately opted to remain at Old Trafford - for one more year at least.
While it appeared that decision had put the saga to rest, the imminent reopening of the transfer window in January has seen the issue resurface.
One of Real's directors, Pedro Traporte, was quoted this week as saying an agreement had been reached with United regarding a summer sale of Ronaldo.
However, Ferguson insists that is not case and has angrily hit back at his Spanish counterparts for attempting to unsettle his player.
"Do you think I would get into a contract with that mob? Jesus Christ, no chance. I wouldn't sell them a virus," said the Scot after watching his side beat Japan's Gamba Osaka 5-3 on Thursday to reach the final of the Fifa Club World Cup.
"That's a no," he added.
"There is absolutely no agreement at all between the clubs."
Focus
The rumours have come as no surprise to Ferguson, with the Red Devils boss admitting he never believed that Real would be prepared to turn their attentions elsewhere.
"I said to (chief executive) David Gill you can bet your life that in January the rumours will start up again," he said.
"We've just got to ignore them. We have got a difficult programme of matches coming up and need to just play our game and ignore them."
Ronaldo was on target for United in their 5-3 success over Osaka and Ferguson believes the 23-year-old continues to set the benchmark in world football.
"Over the five years he has been with us, we have seen him develop into the player he is today," he added.
"He always had certain attributes that pointed him towards the very top - his amazing skill, his speed and his courage. In the time he has been with us, he has also developed his decision-making."
