MERCENARIES UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB

From the MEN:

United have furiously denied claims from Real Madrid presidential candidate Juan Miguel Villar Mir that they have given him permission to talk to Cristiano Ronaldo.

The United winger was quoted in a Spanish newspaper [http://www.redissue.co.uk/news/loadnews.asp?cid=TMNW&id=286491] as saying he would relish a move to Madrid if Villa Mir wins Sunday's presidential elections at the Bernabeu.

United issued a statement denying Villa Mir's claims:

"Manchester United are astonished with Juan Miguel Villar Mir's comments. There has been no contact between Manchester United and his election team or Real Madrid, and any suggestion there has been is incorrect.

"Unfortunately these tactics seem to be a common occurrence in elections of this nature.

"Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a long-term contract with Manchester United which runs until 2010. He will be a Manchester United player next season."

Villa Mar has already claimed he will install Arsene Wenger as Real's new manager if elected.

From the Sun:

Old Trafford chief Fergie was stunned yesterday when the winger, 21, announced he wants to join Real Madrid.

A source said: “Alex can't believe this. He has stood by Ronaldo and helped him become a better player and sided with him in a row with Ruud van Nistelrooy and this is the thanks he gets.”

The £20million-rated player backed Real presidential candidate Juan Miguel Villar Mir. Ronaldo said:

"I have told my agent I would like to leave. I want to play for Madrid, I dream about it. They have explained their plans and the next step is that they will talk to United."

Elsewhere the blubbing buffoon is quoted:

"Other candidates wanted me to sign an agreement. But that would go against the interests of my club, which is Manchester United. That would not be legal and I would never do so. Both Villar Mir and Carlos Sainz* have promised me that they will speak to United. All we have done so far is speak via people who make up their candidacy.

"What I want is for everyone to come out of this a winner. There is a great relationship between the two clubs, going back years."

Villar Mir said yesterday:

"Everything with Ronaldo is true as he has said himself. We are acting within Fifa guidelines. Manchester know we are talking to him. We are approaching this issue through the front door."

*Intriguingly, Carlos Sainz is the former racing driver who was linked in BackBeat last season with one Carlos Queiroz as reportedly being joint investors in a new Formula 1 team. Curiouser and curiouser.