Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted
that he is fighting a difficult battle in attempting to persuade
Cristiano Ronaldo to remain at Old Trafford.
The 42-goal forward is apparently still determined to move to
Real Madrid, even if United are insistent it cannot happen this
year.
Ferguson, speaking ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's testimonial
against Espanyol, conceded that finding players with the
Norwegian's loyalty was going to become ever more
problematic.
"Anyone who serves more than 10 years for a football club these
days is something exceptional happening," said Ferguson at a press
conference.
"Especially with freedom of contract, the Bosman Rule and
agents, it's very difficult to get players to stay for that
length of time, particularly when they're not from your country,
which I think is even more difficult.
"So the respect that the fans show Ole is not just about scoring
the winning goal in Barcelona but the whole long period."
Solskjaer will manage the United reserve team next season, and
Ferguson believes the Scandinavian can make it in the perilous
world of club management.
"It is very difficult to say where people are going to be in two
weeks' time, let alone two years," added Ferguson.
"And I certainly would not want to talk about what is likely to
happen at this club. It is not my domain.
"But I know Ole is doing exactly the right things if he wants to
stay in the game."