Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Barca play down Ron talk

08 Feb 2007 - 08:26:44

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Barcelona's director of football Txiki Begiristain has played down reports of the Spanish giants closing in on Cristiano Ronaldo after being photographed with the player's agent in London this week.

Barca and Real Madrid have both revealed their interest in luring the Manchester United winger to Spain in the summer.

But Begiristain has denied suggestions he used Tuesday's friendly between Portugal and Brazil at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium to discuss the United winger's future with his agent, Jorge Mendes.

The pair were sat together in the stands as Portugal secured a 2-0 victory, but Begiristain claims there was nothing untoward in the photographed meeting.

"Jorge Mendes is my friend, I've known him for years," he said.

"It is logical we are interested in Ronaldo but I must stress we are a big club and we will work in a proper way."

Ronaldo has been in sensational form for United this season, scoring 15 times in 31 appearances.