RUUD TALK

Last updated : 04 July 2004 By Editor

"I have tired of these stories, they are total garbage.

"I am not leaving United, why should I? I'd rather retire than be sold to Real Madrid. Is that emphatic enough?

"I don't know what else I can do other than say I'm a Manchester United player - end of story."

"Of course you can win a lot in four years. I have a title and FA Cup winners' medal with Manchester United but I'm hungrier for far more.

"I desperately want to win the Champions League and more titles with United, while I hope Holland have a successful 2006 World Cup.

"Being hungry is a good thing. I'm not complacent, never have been. But at the same time I'm not frightened to say I can do better.

"I'm not saying the season has been a disaster, but it's fair to say it's been disappointing.

"With a bit of luck it could have been totally different but things conspired to undermine Manchester United's campaign last season.

"We never recovered from the loss of Rio Ferdinand. We had injuries and the luck you normally get seemed to elude us on a number of occasions.

"But I'm growing in optimism that the new campaign will see United back challenging for the major honours.

"Ronaldo is a hugely talented individual and he is only going to get better. I see what he's capable of every day in training. I think he accepts that he needs to be more effective in his play. But there were encouraging signs towards the end of last season that he is beginning to understand the way the coaches want him to play.

"I think people will see a different player next season."