News: David Gill, the Manchester United chief executive, will attempt to resolve the future of Cristiano Ronaldo by holding talks with the Portugal winger's agent, Jorge Mendes, before Alex Ferguson's side depart for their pre-season tour of South Africa on Thursday.
United are facing an uphill battle to keep Ronaldo after the 21-year-old reiterated his desire to leave the club for La Liga after playing in Portugal's 3-1 defeat against Germany in the World Cup third-place play-off in Stuttgart on Saturday.
Although earlier comments by Ronaldo relating to a possible move to Real Madrid were dismissed by United, it would appear he has already made up his mind given his latest statement that the World Cup quarter-final confrontation with his club-mate Wayne Rooney had made it impossible for him to return to Manchester.
Ronaldo said: "I'm not going to stay at Manchester United. After what happened with Rooney I can't remain there.
"In a couple of days I will have my future sorted out. I don't want to stay in England.
" Everyone knows it is my dream to play in Spain. Real and Barca are the two teams I like and I will play for one of them. My agent will meet with the owner of Manchester United to sort out my situation."
Due to Portugal's success in reaching the last four of the World Cup, Ronaldo has been given an extended summer break by United and is not expected back at the club's Carrington training ground until July 31st.
United will unveil their new 1950s-retro shirt in South Africa. The new £56.5 million sponsorship deal with the US insurance giant AIG means United will have new home and away shirts this season.
- Guardian Service
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