Ronaldo stays put, says Sir Alex

MANCHESTER United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo will not be sold and also confirmed he will be out for three months with an ankle injury.

Ronaldo has sent out mixed messages about his future and been linked with a move to Real Madrid but Ferguson put the record straight in Cape Town after meeting the Portugal winger.

Ferguson said: "I can say he will be a Manchester united player next season. That's our stance, he won't be sold."

Ronaldo is currently sidelined after an ankle operation and Ferguson added: "He will be out for three months."

Ronaldo is resting while the team prepare to face Kaizer Chiefs in the Vodacom Challenge today.

And Ferguson is adamant the 42-goal winger will be wearing United's colours next season when he is fully fit as they attempt to retain the European Cup and Premier League title. He said: "The meeting went well. I think we both put across our points of view; where we stand and where the player stands. I can say he will be a Manchester United player next season. That's our stance. He won't be sold."

Ferguson claimed he had been relaxed about the situation.

"It is not a difficult position. I was on my holiday and I was not going to interrupt my holiday, believe me," said the Old Trafford manager.

"I wasn't panicked because the player is under contract so the strength and the rights are with Manchester United.

"What we have done well is to say nothing. We've kept quiet on this matter and kept it private and what I said to Cristiano remains private."

Gary Neville is hoping to take another step forward to re-establishing himself in the Manchester United team against Kaiser Chiefs.

Neville said: "From a personal point of view the game against Aberdeen was the first rung on the ladder as it was the first time I had performed for 14 months. This will be a lot more difficult match but if I am given the opportunity is one I would look forward to. It is exciting."

Meanwhile, Manchester United's Patrice Evra has been charged with improper conduct by the English Football Association for his part in a fracas after United's league defeat to Chelsea in April.

The FA also found Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell guilty of improper conduct at Stamford Bridge. The incident began when United players, including Evra, were warming down and asked to move by Chelsea groundstaff.

Bethell has also been charged with using abusive language aggravated by reference to nationality and or race.