Ferguson backs Glazers to keep Ronaldo

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Cristiano Ronaldo will still be at Manchester United next season.

The Portugal winger has promised to make an announcement about his future this week as speculation about him increases.

Real Madrid want to sign Ronaldo, but Ferguson is convinced the Glazer family that owns United will not allow him to leave.

Ferguson said: "I'm very confident about that. It's a game Real play all the time. In the past they've done it with David Beckham and Ruud Van Nistelrooy, so we're used to it.

"I am more than confident Cristiano will be with us next year. The Glazer family will not be messed about in this situation.

"We want Cristiano to stay for a long, long time. He is on a fantastic contract and quite rightly so. He's the best player in the world."

Ferguson has also revealed he plans to sever all ties with the club when he retires.

He expects to stand down by 2011 and does not want to overshadow his successor.

He said: "I'll carry on for no more than three years, maybe two more. I have to respect my wife because she is a not football fan you know, she's an Alex Ferguson fan.

"At that point I wouldn't have an interest in how it was run. No, it would be the manager's domain. People say that if you are about the place, you are in the road, and I don't want that. The field will be left clear.

"I'll keep the enthusiasm up long past 70. Whether I'll still be doing the football, I'm not so sure about that.

"Anyway, I deserve a rest. After you've done 21 years, or 23 after a couple more seasons, you need one."

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.