Ronaldo sows seeds of doubt

SOCCER:CRISTIANO RONALDO reacted to the latest public declaration of interest from Real Madrid with nine words that will go down like a lead balloon at Manchester United.

"Let's see what happens after the Champions League final," said Ronaldo as he was questioned about the possibility of a world-record transfer to the Bernabeu.

Ronaldo emphasised that he was "happy" at Old Trafford but there was a less than unequivocal response when it was put to him that the Real president, Ramon Calderon, was "obsessed" with signing him. "I am happy here but let's see what happens," he told the Spanish television network Antena 3.

"I am feeling calm here. I'm happy but in the future I don't know. I know Real Madrid like how I play and I know that other teams in Spain like my game as well, so that's good. It is good to know that other clubs are interested in you. I have said millions of times that I would love to play in Spain." He qualified that last statement by pointing out "it's one thing to dream and another for it to be reality".

He also emphasised, more than once, that he was enjoying life in Manchester. Nonetheless, Madrid are entitled to be encouraged that, deliberately or not, he chose not to confirm he would still be at Old Trafford next season - and, indeed, that he should consider playing for Real a "dream".

"Real have the solvency and the financial power to be able to take on a signing of the magnitude of Cristiano Ronaldo," the club's general director, Miguel Angel Arroyo, has told the Spanish press.

Alex Ferguson is said to be confident about persuading the winger to stay for at least one more season. The Scot, asked about the allegations from Chelsea's manager, Avram Grant, that United can "influence" referees, said: "I was half-expecting it. This is all about their preparations for the final. But we were, without question, the best team in the country this season and, in fairness, a lot of their players have recognised that."

Grant is to be charged with improper conduct by the Football Association after appearing to question the integrity of the referees Steve Bennett and Mike Dean. He claimed Bennett, officiating United's final game at Wigan on Sunday, had been "as expected: good for one team". Grant is most likely to receive a fine, though the FA does have the power to impose a touchline ban.

Meanwhile, Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has revealed he was "desperate" to stay at Old Trafford after he signed a new five-year deal to remain at the club.

Ferdinand's next goal is to complete the second half of a glorious double on Wednesday when Chelsea provide the opposition in the Champions League final in Moscow. The 29-year-old finally put pen to paper on a new contract in the week the club retained the Barclays Premier League title with victory over Wigan.

"To be able to stay at Manchester United for another five years is something I wanted desperately," Ferdinand said. "This is a fantastic club and I am definitely very happy after signing a new contract."

United conceded only 22 league goals in the campaign largely thanks to Ferdinand's partnership with Nemanja Vidic as Ferguson was quick to highlight. "The longer Rio has been here, the better he has become. He is a natural athlete and technically a very good player. If you add that to the experience he has already gained then you get a better player.

"His partnership with Vidic has been an important part of our success. You can see that from the fact we conceded only 22 goals in the league. It is a fantastic performance by them."

While Ferdinand is keen to get his hands on another trophy, he expects Chelsea to provide tough opposition: "I don't think there is a favourite as we have both beaten each other this season.

"A cup game is totally different and one moment of brilliance from a player on either side will swing it their way."