The protracted saga that is Cristiano Ronaldo’s on again, off again transfer to Real Madrid took another bizarre turn yesterday as Alex Ferguson launched a stinging attack on the Madrid hierarchy. Ferguson denounced those at Real Madrid as a ‘mob’ and added that,”I would not sell them a virus.”

Not talk befitting a knight of the realm but Ferguson is not one to hold back when his path is crossed. His world renowned ire reared its head following claims by Real Madrid director, Pedro Trapote, that a secret deal had been brokered to bring Ronaldo to the Bernabeu.   

Ferguson went on to criticise the way Real Madrid conduct their business when pursuing a player and vowed to ignore the speculation surrounding the Ballon D’Or winner. It is clear the United manager now regards this as a matter of principle and not merely unwanted advances from another big club. Real Madrid’s public courtship of the Portuguese star has gotten under the skin of those at Old Trafford and this soap opera looks set to rumble on. Anyone hoping for a Manchester United versus Real Madrid tie in the Champions League draw tommorow?