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RONALDO MUST FACE FERGIE
Cristiano Ronaldo will have to face Sir Alex Ferguson on Tuesday after he returns to Manchester for a detailed examination of his ankle injury.
Ronaldo underwent surgery on his right ankle a month ago in Amsterdam, and has since been 'recuperating' with the help of assorted beaches and Los Angeles nightspots.
However, the pain in his leg is likely to be secondary to the prospect of facing Ferguson, and it remains to be seen whether Ronaldo will tell Ferguson - as has been reported - that he wants to leave Old Trafford for Real Madrid.
The Guardian reports that Ronaldo will probably have to hand in an official transfer request to get the move he apparently desires, though Ferguson himself remains convinced that his prize asset will stay in Manchester for at least another season.
However, constant reports in Spain contradict that position, including claims from his agent that Ronaldo will demand a move when he returns to England.
And while Ferguson claims there will be no move, The Daily Telegraph claims the greater challenge for the United boss will be convincing Ronaldo that his long-term future lies at Old Trafford, and remains a 'fully motivated member of his squad'.
The injury to Real playmaker Wesley Sneijder over the weekend could speed up their pursuit for Ronaldo, although Rafael van der Vaart, on the verge of completing a move from Hamburg, is more suited to replacing his countryman.
The Sun this morning also claims that Ronaldo will be given a new contract with a £65million get-out clause, allowing him to leave for that sum next summer, should he wish.