Portuguese superstar has had a hissy fit at Real Madrid and a
return to Old Trafford could be on the cards if the manager gets his
way
Now, if he really wants out, Ferguson will ask the Glazer family – who own United – to do everything in their power to re-sign the 27-year-old.
Reports in Spain have suggested Ronaldo’s unhappiness is being caused by Real’s refusal to hand him a new contract worth a staggering £500,000-a-week. But sources close to the player have countered that he has been hurt by a lack of respect from team-mates.
He also feels his failure to win the European Footballer of the Year award proves he isn’t getting the credit he deserves for a strike rate that has seen him score 151 goals in 150 games at the Bernabeu.
A United source said: “The manager made it clear when Ronaldo joined Real that if he ever left the Bernabeu he should return to Old Trafford.
“It’s a transfer that would prove that United can still compete with anyone for the biggest names in football.
“But, at the moment, only Ronaldo knows whether he is serious about leaving Madrid or whether he’s just having a sulk.”
Champions Manchester City insist they have no interest in Ronaldo – and that the player would only use them to ramp up his own value with Real or other potential buyers.
And inside United there are similar doubts but Ferguson has a close relationship with Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, and Real boss Jose Mourinho.
But if he is told that Ronaldo’s relationship with Madrid has broken down then he will try to make a deal happen.
Ronaldo has an £800m buy-out clause in his contract but Real president Florentino Perez is so angry with the lack of respect the winger has shown that it has been muted he will consider anything in excess of £100million.
That would really test Ferguson’s claim that United’s owners have never turned him down when it comes to transfer targets.
Ronaldo’s commercial value to United would be massive – and shirt manufacturers Nike could play a part in any deal.
The Glazers would be sure to look at ways to raise the funds without plunging the club further into debt.
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