Barely had the post-match celebrations begun in Moscow following United's momentous Champions League win over Chelsea than Cristiano Ronaldo's future was once again the subject of intense debate.

"We will not be moving anyone out," confirmed Ferguson. "It is not something I have even thought about."

He added: "I just need to look at the squad and know I have enough cover for next season as we have three extra games, one in the Super Cup and two in the World Club Championship to cope with.

"When you want to keep someone you work hard to do it.

"That is a fact not lost on Manchester United but it is a fact not lost on Real Madrid either.

"We sold them Ruud van Nistelrooy and David Beckham because we wanted to."

The last point is particularly pertinent as the departures of Van Nistelrooy and Beckham are being used in some quarters as evidence of Real's ability to prise players away from Old Trafford.