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Sir Alex Ferguson rarely has to sell old trafford to an employee, but in an indication of growing unease at the Spanish courting of Cristiano Ronaldo, the Manchester United manager publicly appealed to the Portuguese international to consider his career before a change of climate.
The sight of
Ronaldo's agent with Barcelona sporting director Txiki Begiristain recently, following confirmation of interest in the 21-year-old from Real Madrid, has undermined Ferguson's customary theory that a scurrilous media is behind reports of an impending £35m bid for his prized asset.
That did not deter another attempt last week but, while United officials are confident Ronaldo will resist La Liga and sign an improved contract at the end of this season, Ferguson admitted a man from Madeira would find the Iberian peninsula tempting.
"A better climate is always an attraction but when you think about it, look what you get from Manchester United," argued Ferguson. "We get 76,000 people in the stadium for every home game. You don't get that anywhere else.
"I know Barcelona, Real Madrid and AC Milan can fill their stadiums when they have big games but their stadiums are not full every week. Old Trafford is.
"Cristiano is at a good club and I hope he can achieve everything he wants here. I don't think there is a better player in the world at the moment."
Success in the Champions League and Premiership will strengthen Ferguson's hand and, despite a meeting between agent Pedro Mendes and Begiristain, the United manager dismissed suggestions the winger is considering pastures new.
He added: "I don't need to sit down with Cristiano because in modern-day football you have to accept speculation will be rife. Clubs have to make agents feel wonderful. I know the boy is happy here."
Ronaldo, who was courted by Real Madrid before signing with United in 2003, has recently admitted that he has been banned from mentioning the Bernabeu by Ferguson.
"I am aware of Real Madrid's interest in me, although I can't say anything about it." He added: "I had two conversations on Saturday, with Carlos Queiroz and Alex Ferguson, and they banned me from talking about Real. I don't want to have any problems at United."
Ronaldo committed himself to United until 2010 only 14 months ago, in a deal estimated to be worth £70,000 a week. United are now prepared to bring him into line with their highest earners, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand, on £100,000 a week.
- INDEPENDENT
