His latest set of comments regarding his star player and Real Madrid hint that all is not well in the state of Old Trafford. The speculation linking Ronaldo with a move to Spain is undoubtedly going to continue until after Euro 2008, despite the player claiming that he is happy to remain with the English champions. However, the BBC report that Fergie is adamant that the club would rather make the player sit in the stands all season than let him join their European counterparts.

Ferguson has met the Glazer family, who own the club, and said: “Their attitude is ‘To hell with them’.

“They’d sit a player in the stand, I’m telling you, absolutely no doubt about it, just to prove a point.”

Fighting talk from the Scot, although the scenario is at best implausible and at worst completely laughable. However, it does highlight the increasing pressure being felt by SAF as the Red Devils number seven continues to keep his options open.