Manchester United chase Real Madrid's Ronaldo

Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson will ask the Premier League giants' management to pay whatever it takes to bring Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford, the Daily Mirror claims. “The manager made it clear when Ronaldo joined Real Madrid that if he ever left the ­Bernabeu he should return to Old Trafford," a Manchester United source told the Daily Mirror. “It’s a transfer that would prove that United can still compete with anyone for the biggest names in football. “But, at the moment, only Ronaldo knows whether he is serious about leaving Madrid or whether he’s just having a sulk.” The Portuguese superstar, who joined Real Madrid three years ago in a world-record £80 million deal from United, announced early last month that there were ongoing complications between him and the royal club. The 27-year-old forward refused to celebrate his first two La Liga goals of the season and his statements after the match were what made him at the focus of attention. "I didn't celebrate the goals because I'm upset. It's about a professional matter and the club knows what it is,” Ronaldo told Real Madrid’s official website. Reports in Spain have suggested Ronaldo’s unhappiness is being caused by Real’s ­refusal to hand him a new ­contract worth a staggering £500,000-a-week. However, sources told the Daily Mirror that the player had been hurt by a lack of respect from his teammates. (ahram)