Manchester United may yet kick off next season without Cristiano Ronaldo - but the club insist it will not be because he is being sold to Real Madrid.
The Portugal winger is expected to undergo ankle surgery next week, which could rule him out for six weeks.Confirmation of Ronaldo's operation comes after the view of a specialist backed up that of medical staff from both United and the Portuguese Football Association.
The news came on the day United were forced to rubbish fresh reports from Spain that the 23-year-old will sign for Real, the latest claiming he will move within a matter of days.
A club spokesman said: "It is utter nonsense and totally laughable. Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale."