Cristiano Ronaldo return to Manchester United unlikely according to Sir Alex Ferguson

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson does not believe Cristiano Ronaldo will ever make a return to Old Trafford.

Threat

Ronaldo's return is fixed though. And Ferguson knows the player he spent £12.24million on to sign from Sporting Lisbon as a 17-year-old in 2003 represents a significant threat to his side's hopes of progression in Europe's most prestigious competition. So much so that Ferguson's first thought when he heard the draw was to check the small print of that world record transfer. "Our contract with Real is that he can't play against us," laughed the Scot. "I think it would be a disgrace if he played against us. It would be no loyalty." Ronaldo is assured of a rapturous reception from the Old Trafford faithful, as warm as the one he gave Ferguson when they met at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester recently. The wide-man has already confirmed an intention not to celebrate any goals he scores in the two-legged tie, although Ferguson would not be too bothered if the Red Devils supporters attempt to put Ronaldo off when the action starts. "He will get a great reception when he comes onto the pitch at Old Trafford, quite rightly, after that they can boo him as much as they like," said Ferguson. "We are proud of the part we played in his career. "We did very well to get six years out of a boy when he came to us at the age of 17."