United reject Ronaldo rumours

MANCHESTER UNITED have rejected reports that winger Cristiano Ronaldo is stalling on contract talks.

The 19-year-old, who scored his third goal of the season in the 3-1 Premiership victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford, joined the Red Devils in a £12.2 million deal from Sporting Lisbon 18 months ago.

Alex Ferguson has admitted even he has been startled by Ronaldo's progress since then and despite his tender years he is now regarded as an automatic selection in Ferguson's first-choice line-up. Having signed a five-year contract when he initially joined the club, Ronaldo still has well over three seasons remaining on his present deal and United have claimed there is no issue over any renegotiation.

"To suggest there are problems over a new contract is nonsense," said United communications director Phil Townsend. "Cristiano still has three-and-a-half years left on the contract he signed when he joined us and no talks are planned."

It would be no surprise though if United were to try to extend Ronaldo's stay in the summer.

The teenager will still be one of the lowest-paid members of Ferguson's squad and chief executive David Gill will no doubt attempt to bring the Madeira-born player up to an equivalent level with his team-mates.

Meanwhile, Louis Saha is eyeing Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final as the chance Manchester United have been waiting for to deflate the Chelsea bubble. If someone had told Alex Ferguson in August that a game in the fourth competition on his list of priorities would turn out to be one of the biggest of the season, the Scot would have scoffed in disdain.

Yet that is exactly what the midweek clash has become. The tangible reward for the victor will be a place at the Millennium Stadium to face Liverpool or Watford at the end of next month.

"Wednesday will be a chance for us to damage them," said Saha, who also was on target on Saturday. "We need to try and make them feel tired. If we can win, it would be a real lift to our confidence as well as hitting theirs." With Jose Mourinho virtually certain to continue his policy of fielding a largely first-choice line-up as he chases his first piece of silverware since succeeding Claudio Ranieri at Stamford Bridge, Ferguson may decide to abandon the convention of fielding his fringe men and opt to meet fire with fire.

Either way, the significance of the occasion guarantees a white-hot atmosphere at Old Trafford a fortnight after the sides fought out a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge.

Saha said: "The reason you sign for a club like Manchester United is to have an opportunity to play in big games such as this. We feel we have a side that can win, so hopefully we will."

In his programme notes, the United boss admitted the title was Mourinho's to lose. "We are in championship form," he said. "The problem is Chelsea are in even more championship form. All we can do is keep going. There is a terrific team spirit at the club, the fans are doing a great job too and if we maintain this form, we can all enjoy the rest of the season."

It wasn't quite a signal for the white flag to be raised but unlike his frosty view of Arsene Wenger's Arsenal, Ferguson does at least recognise what a good team Mourinho has moulded Chelsea into. Not that David O'Leary reckons United will give up the fight until it is mathematically certain they cannot finish top.

"I still think they can get back into it and I know for certain Sir Alex won't give up," he said.

"Everyone accepts Chelsea are in the driving seat. They can afford to slip up while Manchester United and Arsenal basically have to win every game.

"It must be frustrating because although United are winning, Chelsea are doing exactly the same. But I am sure all they are looking for is Chelsea to draw one instead of win. That would give them a chance."