Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly admitted in an interview with a Portuguese newspaper that he will be at Old Trafford for at least the next 12 months.

The Portuguese winger has been linked with a big money move to Real Madrid for four months now, but despite claiming earlier in the summer that it was a "dream" of his to move to the Spanish capital he now appears to have heeded his managers call and committed to the Premier League champions for the upcoming season.

Alex Ferguson declared yesterday that the saga was "closed", and the winger - who is under contract until 2012 - has reportedly told Publico,in an interview to be published tomorrow, that he will be staying at Old Trafford for now, though he admits he still dreams of one day playing for Real.

The public admission will be a relief to Ferguson, who today said he is in no rush to strengthen his squad because he is confident it is strong enough to defend the title and their Chmapions League crown.

Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov is still on the Scot's wanted list and discussions will continue over other potential signings until the transfer deadline at the end of the month.

However, despite a growing injury list that looks certain to keep Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and half a dozen other senior men out of the opening league game against Newcastle on August 17th, Ferguson may keep his cash where it is.

"We might well start 2008-09 with largely the squad we had last season - and after all, they didn't do too badly," he said. "We have not brought in the kind of top-quality player everyone seems to be expecting.

"We are still researching and looking but it is not easy and certainly we are not desperate."

In Nani, who will be suspended against Newcastle, and Anderson, who is on Olympic duty with Brazil, United have two men that could show significant improvement on their first year at Old Trafford.

Angola striker Manucho is due to apply for a work permit and success of that, plus the emergence of Rafael da Silva at right-back and the failure to get Berbatov for a price he feels is realistic could be enough to convince Ferguson he does not require any new blood.

"We have the right balance of youth and experience thanks to the work we did in the transfer market the previous year," he claimed. "In terms of numbers we have been boosted by the return from loan of several young players who have the potential to go all the way.

"So I think we already have the men for the job."

PA