Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo said he will stay at Manchester United this season and is not about to join Real Madrid, Portuguese media reported yesterday.

"(United manager Alex) Ferguson heard my arguments and I heard his and between the two of us we decided that the best thing for both parties was that I should stay at Manchester United next season," Ronaldo was quoted as saying by Portugal's LUSA news agency.

The comments were welcomed by United, who said "Ronaldo remains a Red" and "Cristiano Ronaldo is going nowhere" on their website, adding Ferguson's delighted reaction.

"We always knew this was the case," he said. "He's very happy here - he's always been happy.

"He's never had a complaint about Manchester United. He's always been treated properly and I have a great relationship with the boy, as do all the players.

"I think we can put this to bed now. It's finished. The boy's a United player and that's what's important."

Ronaldo, who is currently recovering from ankle surgery, added that he wanted to quash any speculation that he would be staying at United against his will.

"Before any rumours emerge that I'm unhappy to stay at United I want to make one thing clear and that is that anyone who says that is lying," he was quoted as saying.

"I will give my body and soul to Manchester United. I will be fighting to honour this shirt with the determination and dedication I have always shown."

Ferguson was sympathetic to Ronaldo's response to Real's interest.

"The fans have got to understand it's very hard when a young boy's tempted by all this money," he said .

"He's a young lad from Madeira and his father died a young man. Cristiano now looks after his family, so I can understand that (money may have been tempting)."