Sir Alex Ferguson has refuted speculation that Cristiano Ronaldo will be returning to Old Trafford this summer, according to The Metro.

The Portuguese winger left Manchester United for Real Madrid in a four year deal worth £80 million in 2009 and has been rumoured to make a shock return to the Manchester club, while being prepared to take a pay cut to do so.

Ferguson says there is no truth in the rumours and thinks it is a tactical part of the contract negotiations:

‘I don’t think there’s anything, as far as I’m aware, that would encourage me to think he would come back here. I don’t think there’s anything in that at all,’

"He has got two years left on his contract. It could be to do with the fact that negotiations are going on for a new contract. I think maybe his agent is playing the game, though I’m not prepared to comment on that.

I think it is false hope."

The 28-year-old is in the best form of his life and has even outdone Messi in recent weeks, but is refusing to sign a new contract with Real Madrid indicating that he could leave at the end of the season.

He returns to Old Trafford this week when United take on Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champion's League round 16 tie and Fergie expects that he will receive a warm welcome from fans.

“Cristiano will get a good reception. All our former players, especially the ones who have been great for this club, get a good ­reception when they return.

“He is a better player now than he was when he was with us because he has matured. He is 28 and at the peak of his career.

“From 28 to 32, with the fitness Ronaldo has got, he never misses a game and is never injured. He will be at his absolute best.

“I’ve got a plan to stop him: it’s called a machete, plan B is a machine gun!"

Man United came back from the Bernabeu with a draw but they will be fighting to overturn that into a win.

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