United fume as Platini sticks his oar in and backs Madrid's pursuit of Ronaldo

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The UEFA president refused to condemn the Spanish club whose dogged pursuit of the Portugal superstar forced the Premier League champions to write a letter of complaint to FIFA.

Tug of love: Ronaldo posturing as Real Madrid fight to attract the Manchester United and Portugal star

United are continuing to insist Ronaldo remains at Old Trafford, where he has four years of his contract remaining, and believe their stance is starting to be taken seriously in Spain.

But Platini, one of the most influential men in the game, yesterday provoked more controversy by effectively turning a blind eye to Madrid's tactics, which United believe has unsettled their player.

'Every club in the world would love to have Ronaldo,' he said. 'It's part of the system we have today, that players move from club to club.

Real backing: Michel Platini

'Madrid would love to get him because the big clubs always want the best. They've had Puskas and Di Stefano in the past and it's normal for them to want Ronaldo, because he is one of the best in the world today, if not the best.'

Platini is perceived among some Premier League clubs as being anti- English.

He has repeatedly spoken out against the Premier League trying to use their money and influence to dominate world football. Ironically, he has also spoken out against clubs in debt - as Real Madrid are - making more big-money signings.