I will never allow Ronaldo to leave Manchester United and join Real Madrid, insists Fergie

Sir Alex Ferguson today vowed that Cristiano Ronaldo will never be allowed to join Real Madrid and suggested that Manchester United may even give the 23-year-old a new contract.

Ronaldo arrived back in Manchester yesterday after seemingly resolving issues regarding his future in an interview he gave in Portugal earlier this week.

And despite the fact that the Portuguese international has repeated his desire to one day play in Spain, Ferguson outlined his intention today to make sure that never happens.

As he revealed that United striker Wayne Rooney is back in training and could yet make the start of the league season, Ferguson said: 'We have ended all this stuff about Real Madrid and I think Cristiano appreciates this more and more and appreciates the club.

'That happens with players here.

'The longer they stay the less they ever want to leave.

'Look at players like Rio Ferdinand.

'I think Real Madrid know they are dealing with a different animal and I also think that Cristiano has settled down now and will enjoy his career here'.

United Chief Executive David Gill has steadfastly refused to extend Ronaldo's current playing contract but Ferguson would appear to differ.

The United manager added: 'He has four years left and hopefully at some point we will extend that and that is where we are.

'This was an important issue but there are very few players who have left me against my will'.

United face Portsmouth in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday and will be without Rooney as he continues his recovery from a virus.

But Sportsmail revealed yesterday that the England striker was making progress in his recovery and Ferguson said today: 'He is back in training and the virus appears to be leaving him.

'He had a chance for next weekend'.