Fergie declares Ronaldo saga 'over'

Sir Alex Ferguson says the Cristiano Ronaldo saga is 'finished' but Wayne Rooney is set to miss the start of the season with a virus.

The United boss admitted he is now down to only two fit strikers after Rooney picked up a virus that has kept him out of training since the first-team squad returned from Africa.

But when asked about the future of the Reds number seven, who has been linked to Real Madrid all summer, Ferguson triumphantly declared: "It's finished."

He said: "He's going to be playing here next season. Believe me, it's all over."

Carlos Tevez and Fraizer Campbell are now the only fit United strikers following the news that Rooney and Michael Carrick picked up the virus in Nigeria - which is not Malaria.

Carrick appears to have fought off the worst of it, though, and was set to train today - but Rooney has not trained for over a week and does not look likely to be ready for the clash with Newcastle in 12 days time.

"Carrick's come in this morning and he may play a part of the game on Sunday," said the United boss.

"They've said it's a bad virus and Wayne's not back in yet, he's not been training. It's been a long time."

Luis Nani is suspended for that match while the club are hoping to obtain a work permit for Angolan striker Manucho.

Ferguson also confirmed he is still looking to appoint an assistant manager and hopes to be able to do so by the end of September.