Queiroz: United Know How to Love Ronaldo

Carlos Queiroz, Manchester United's Portuguese assistant manager, has reiterated the club's desire to persuade Cristiano Ronaldo to change his mind about wanting to join Real Madrid.

"Manchester United is very special," Queiroz told the Portuguese radio station Renascenca. "Because of that we know how to surround Cristiano completely with all the affection and all the attention he deserves. However, not speaking is the most sensible course of action at this moment, so that we don't contribute to a less than positive spectacle and so we don't aid those whose interests are difficult to identify."

Queiroz was speaking for the first time since Ronaldo confirmed he wanted to leave Old Trafford, a situation that has been further clouded by the player going back on his promise to release a public statement. Ronaldo also said he would return to Manchester for minor surgery on his foot, but has gone on holiday instead.

Queiroz's own future is in doubt, with his name on a shortlist of potential replacements for Luiz Felipe Scolari as Portugal's national coach. "I'm not going to put myself in the market," he said. "The decision should not be a result of those who make themselves candidates, but a decision that is conscious, rational and based on what the Federation [Portuguese FA] judges [believe] is necessary."

Liverpool's Alvaro Arbeloa has joined the debate over Ronaldo's future, speaking for many Premier League defenders when he said he would like to see the winger go. "If he leaves, United would lose the best player in the world," said Arbeloa, who started his career at Real Madrid. "I would be delighted if Ronaldo leaves and more so if it is to my former team."

Liverpool started work on their £350m new stadium yesterday after the club's co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks gave the go-ahead for "enabling work" to commence. It is due to be completed within three years.