Let's get Ronaldo! Man United start talks with Nike over funding for return of Madrid megastar (and Rooney STAYS, says Fergie)
By IAN LADYMAN
Sir Alex Ferguson promised Wayne Rooney will not be sold as Manchester United prepared an attempt to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo.
United manager Ferguson came out fighting in response to suggestions Rooney, 27, could be on his way out this summer.
Despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain — who believe they have been given encouragement over a £24million deal — Ferguson said: 'There’s absolutely no issue between Wayne Rooney and me. He will be here next year.'
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Sensational: Manchester United are preparing a move for their former star Cristiano Ronaldo
It is understood United officials have discussed a deal to bring Ronaldo back at a meeting with kit manufacturers Nike on Friday.
They discussed extending their sponsorship deal but also on the agenda was the subject of funding a bid to sign Real Madrid’s Ronaldo, who they sold to the Spanish club in 2009.
Ferguson has played down talk of a return for the forward and it remains unlikely, but it is understood the finer details of financing a move will be considered today at the meeting in London.
Ferguson said during his Friday press conference: '[Rooney] will be here next year. You can have my word on that.
Back in Red: United executives are understood to be discussing the possibility of a deal
Apologetic: Ronaldo said his return to Old Trafford was very emotional
'The issue you're all going on about in the papers is absolute rubbish. There is absolutely no issue between Wayne Rooney and I. To suggest we don't talk to each other on the training ground is absolute nonsense.
'He understood the reasons for not playing him and that was completely tactical. And I think I was right. We don't always get it right but I think we did get it right.
'Danny Welbeck is the best player we have in terms of operating in a double role. We had to choke Xabi Alonso's ability to control the game, which Danny did, and that took away Alonso's control of the game and his ability to go further forward and be an attacking player.
'We don't always get it right but we definitely did on Tuesday.
Going nowhere: Wayne Rooney (right) will be at Old Trafford next season whether Ronaldo returns or not
No issues: Sir Alex Ferguson's (left) decision not to play Wayne Rooney was purely tactical
'I left out Shinji Kagawa after he scored a hat-trick. I thought I would get more stick for that.'
But speaking midweek after he helped dump his former club out of the Champions League, it was clear that United still hold a big place in Ronaldo's heart.
'It was emotional in both games, especially tonight, it was unbelievable,' he said to Sky Sports.
'But anyway I helped my team to score one goal home and away. I feel happy inside because Madrid got through but on the other hand I feel a little bit sad because Manchester United deserved (to win).
'But it's part of the football. It's feelings that stay in there and this doesn't change things.'
Words: Ferguson was speaking at his Friday press conference
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini added his two pence on the former City target Rooney.
‘I think that Rooney is one of the best strikers in Europe but I think it is difficult he can leave Man United,' he said.
‘I don’t know this situation. I can understand Rooney would be upset if he didn’t play but these are things that can happen in every team. After one week it’s finished.’
Still smiling: Rooney in training on Friday
Having his say: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, who was previously linked with a deal with Rooney, has said he can't see the striker leaving United
Mancini admitted that United crashing out of Europe is bad news for City, with Ferguson’s team now able to focus on keeping a 12-point lead in the Premier League and winning the FA Cup.
‘It was difficult before the game against Real Madrid and now it’s clear it is worse for us,’ he added. ‘Now they can put all their strength in the championship.
‘I think they have an advantage because 12 points are too much but our job is only to try until the end of the season.’
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