Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson warned Cristiano Ronaldo that moving to Real Madrid would be "the worst thing" for his career.
The Portugal winger again refused to commit himself to the Red Devils over the weekend, but Ferguson is confident he will stay at Old Trafford after scoring 42 goals last season.
"After the Champions League final, he was the happiest boy in the world," Ferguson said on Monday from Man United's tour of South Africa. "I think he knows genuinely where the best club is to be at, and that is Manchester United.
"I honestly believe that the worst thing he could do is go to Real Madrid. He's 23 years old, he is at the right club, he is at a fantastic club and there should not be any need to think in any other way."
United told Ronaldo he will not be sold nor offered a new contract with a pay rise to match any offer from the Spanish champion.
Instead of increasing Ronaldo's weekly pay of 120,000 pounds ($240,000), United wants him to display commitment and loyalty.
"He signed a five-year contract last year and he still has four years left," Ferguson said. "That's definite - I know that. I've seen his signature.
"Young lads can be twisted by the talk of money and moves that are happening all the time in modern-day football."
Ronaldo, who is sidelined until at least October after recently undergoing surgery on his right ankle, is not on the tour to South Africa.
(Agencies via China Daily July 23, 2008)