Ronaldo commits to Uited for a year

Cristiano Ronaldo has vowed to give everything in the Manchester United cause this season.

Ronaldo has publicly abandoned his desire to play for Real Madrid – at least until next summer – and instead committed himself to Old Trafford.

Any Red Devils supporters still sceptical after a summer transfer wrangle, which at one stage seemed destined to end in Ronaldo moving to Madrid, need have no fear.

"Before rumours emerge saying that I will play against my will, I want to make this clear – whoever says or writes that is lying," he told Portuguese newspaper Publico.

"I will play for Manchester with all my heart and soul. I will fight and honour that shirt with the same commitment and dedication as always."

United had agreed with Ronaldo's desire to end speculation over the matter and were informed about the interview before last night's 0–0 draw with Juventus.

The 23–year–old is due to see a specialist in Amsterdam later today to have an updated assessment on the ankle he recently had operated.

If as expected Ronaldo is given the all clear, he will fly straight into Manchester.

Clearly, he was eager to end the speculation over his future before meeting his team–mates again – especially because a decision about where he would play this season was made last month after a meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson, once Portugal had been dumped out of Euro 2008.