Last Updated: Sun, 03 Mar 2013 10:56
Sir Alex Ferguson claims talk of Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Manchester United this summer is just 'false hope'.
The Red Devils' boss has spoken out to finally put an end to rumours circulating that the Portugal international will reject the offer of a new deal at the Bernabeu and try to push for a move back to Old Trafford at the end of the season.
Ferguson claims there is nothing in those reports and he has not heard anything from the player to suggest that he is open for a comeback to United.
Therefore the Scot expects Ronaldo to stay put in Spain for the time being and he told United fans to dismiss the speculation.
Ferguson told the United website: "I don't think there's anything as far as I'm aware to encourage me that he'd come back here. I don't think there's anything in that at all.
"I think he's got two years left on his contract and it could be a lot to do with the fact that negotiations are ongoing for a new contract. But it's false hope [for anybody expecting Ronaldo to return]."
Meanwhile Ferguson expects the United faithful to give Ronaldo a great reception when he returns to Old Trafford for the first time since he departed in summer 2009 when Real Madrid arrive for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday.
"He'll get a good reception," he added. "All our former players who come back, who have been great players, get a good reception. I've seen that all the time. I think, at the start of the game, he'll get that."
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