Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.

MANCHESTER, England (AP):

Manchester United defiantly vowed to block Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid after the Portugal winger stated his desire to advance his career by leaving Old Trafford.

Ronaldo said there was a "great" possibility that he will move to Real and plans to give more details about the "dream" move over the weekend. But United responded by issuing a statement yesterday - described on its website as a "defiant message" - stressing that its prized asset won't be sold. It was an additional setback for Ronaldo, who also said he requires surgery on his right foot.

"Further to Friday's press speculation about where Cristiano Ronaldo's future lies, the club has moved to reiterate its stance on the matter: United are not listening to offers," United said.

Ronaldo implied that United would find it difficult to reject a windfall from Real, which would have to better the world record fee of US$65 million (now €41.9 million) it paid for Zinedine Zidane in 2001.

Very good thing

"It is always difficult," Ronaldo said. "It is not only one person deciding, it is many people, but it can be a very good thing for everybody."

But almost four years remain on his United contract and manager Alex Ferguson has said the team's American owners, the Glazer family, would prefer to banish players like Ronaldo to the stands rather than sell them.

Article 15 of FIFA's regulations on the status and transfer of players could complicate the situation. This states that "an established professional who has, in the course of the season, appeared in fewer than 10 per cent of the official matches in which his club has been involved may terminate his contract prematurely on the ground of sporting just cause".

Ronaldo has also risked fermenting a feud between Ferguson and Luiz Felipe Scolari by disclosing that the Portugal coach, who takes charge at Chelsea on July 1, was the inspiration behind his transfer decision.

"It is a dream, a step forward," Ronaldo was quoted as saying yesterday on Spanish journalist Guillem Balague's website. "For me, it is a great opportunity and as Scolari says, that train passes by only once, and we have to take advantage of it."