FANS MU

Rio Ferdinand fully believes Cristiano Ronaldo will be a Manchester United player come the start of next season.

Speculation has been rife over the winger's future with quotes attributed to him claiming he wants to join Real Madrid. Gary Neville said on Saturday evening that he sees no reason why Ronaldo would want to leave Old Trafford and Ferdinand is in full agreement.

"As a footballer of Manchester United and as a fan, I would like to think he will stay, and I am quite positive of him staying," the defender told Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek.

"I haven't spoken to him, but I just feel he will. He is at a great club, with great team-mates and great fans who adore him. Hopefully he makes the decision that we all want and he will stay.

"A lot of the players are signing up. In the last couple of months myself, Wes Brown and Michael Carrick have all signed up. I think Patrice Evra has agreed a new contract, Wayne Rooney is staying, Edwin van der Sar has extended his contract; everyone's singing from the same hymn book.

"It would be nice if we can keep this team together because there's a great chance to be really successful over the coming years."

After helping Portugal to a 2-0 victory over Turkey in their opening game at Euro 2008, Ronaldo again reiterated his desire not to discuss his future until after the tournament.

"I haven't decided yet about my future," he insisted. "I'll only do that after the European Championships are over."