United rule out Duff bid after Ronaldinho opts for Barca

MANCHESTER UNITED chief executive Peter Kenyon has ruled out a bid for Damien Duff following the collapse of Ronaldinho’s £20m move from Paris St Germain.

Kenyon is fuming at the fall-out from the Brazilian's decision, angrily attacking PSG president Francis Graille, who labelled United "arrogant". However, he insisted it will not prompt a last-ditch attempt to prise Duff from Chelsea's clutches, even though the Republic of Ireland international would probably prefer to stay in the north-west if he eventually opts to leave Blackburn.

"Let's kill the Damien Duff story straightaway," said Kenyon. "We are not in for him. There has been no approach to the club and no approach to the player and there won't be. He is due to sign for Chelsea."

Having learned of Ronaldinho's decision when he stepped off the charter flight which touched down on Saturday night in Portland, United's early training base for their high-profile four-match tour of America, Kenyon spent the evening digesting the rejection, which was followed up by Graille's tirade.

He claimed Old Trafford officials had become increasingly conscious over the last few days that Ronaldinho was intent on performing an about-turn on previous statements suggesting he wanted to join United and it was that which prompted the imposition of a 6pm deadline on Saturday for completion of the deal.

The Brazilian promptly signed a five-year contract with Barcelona, becoming the second player this summer after Harry Kewell to turn down a Red Devils switch in favour of a rival who did not even have the lure of Champions League combat to offer as bait.

"You have got to be a special player to play for Manchester United," he said. "We offer a major stage, Champions League opportunities, a huge success factor in terms of picking up medals and financial guarantees. The regime is strict, but it produces what most players want, a winning formula. Mentally you have to be tough enough to stand it. Players have to balance that against what is on offer at other places. You have to ask the question why they want to go somewhere else and you can take that how you want."

The insinuation was clearly that both Ronaldinho and Kewell lacked sufficient ambition to join a club of United's standing, although in PSG's eyes anyway that is not particularly high.

Throughout the negotiating process, Graille has lambasted Kenyon and his team, claiming they did not show the French club any respect, went round their back trying to conclude a deal and failed to back up verbal offers with written ones.

In addition, Graille said United also offered keeper Fabien Barthez as a makeweight during early talks over Ronaldinho's future. Kenyon refuted all these accusations and was clearly annoyed they have been made public.

"I am highly disappointed at the comments, particularly as they come from a fellow member of G14," he said.

"We are not arrogant and I am amazed at the insinuation that Fabien Barthez was offered in any deal, because that is not the way we do them."

Meanwhile, United players can expect to be treated like rock stars in America. That's the view of goalkeeper Tim Howard, who has signed up from Major League Soccer club MetroStars.

United have headed off on their American tour with New Jersey-born Howard delighted to be on board. He is set to make his debut against Celtic this week, as Fabien Barthez has been given time off. Howard cannot wait to get started on the four-match tour in his homeland. "The true soccer fans in America are going to eat this summer up," he said.

"It is really going to be like rock stars. It's fantasy. People who love soccer in America can't fathom what Manchester United are really all about. Playing there will be great and it is good timing as I am American but it not the most important thing. Meeting my new team-mates, settling in and training, that's the important thing."

Even without David Beckham, now with Real Madrid, United are expected to go down a storm in the United States.

United open in Seattle against Celtic, then face Club America of Mexico in Los Angeles. Alex Ferguson's side move on to New York and a match against Juventus, before wrapping the tour up when they meet Barcelona.

Charlie Stillitano, spokesman for promoters ChampionsWorld said: "There hasn't been this much excitement and anticipation around matches this summer since the 1994 World Cup. United are going to leave quite an impact on the United States."