Alex Ferguson will disembark from an uncomfortable 14-hour journey to the United States later this evening determined to wreck Damien Duff’s proposed move to Chelsea.

Manchester United looked set to miss out on the signing of Ronaldinho today after Barcelona revealed they were in negotiations with the Brazilian’s agent.

MANCHESTER UNITED’S interest in signing Ronaldinho was tested to the limit yesterday as Barcelona upped the stakes in the contest to sign the midfielder, while the Old Trafford club have yet to agree either a fee or personal terms for fellow Brazilian Kleberson.