We sold Becks to Real but we won't be letting Ronaldo go, says Fergie

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Sir Alex Ferguson has declared Manchester United will not be selling Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid or anyone else - and claims they only sold David Beckham to the Spanish giants because 'they wanted to'.

The post-match celebrations had barely begun in Moscow following United's momentous Champions League win over Chelsea when Ronaldo's future was once again the subject of intense debate.

Ronaldo's own cryptic comments on the matter have not helped clarify the situation after he refused to commit to Old Trafford next season, leaving the door open for Real to make a move for the player, who they have coveted all campaign.

Not for sale: Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his goal against Chelsea on Wednesday night.

But, Ferguson, still basking in the afterglow of Wednesday's penalty shoot-out victory, has no doubt Ronaldo, who has scored 42 goals in what has been an incredible season, will stay next term.

"When you want to keep someone you work hard to do it," he said.

"That is a fact not lost on Manchester United but it is a fact not lost on Real Madrid either.

"We sold them Ruud van Nistelrooy and David Beckham because we wanted to."

The last point is particularly pertinent as the departures of Van Nistelrooy and Beckham are being used in some quarters as evidence of Real's ability to prise players away from Old Trafford.

However, Ferguson is keen to retain the majority of his Champions League winning squad, although young defender Gerard Pique is bound for Barcelona, while the future of injury-plagued Louis Saha is also open for major debate.

"We will not be moving anyone out," confirmed Ferguson, who stated he has no intention of retiring either.

"It is not something I have even thought about," he added.

"I just need to look at the squad and know I have enough cover for next season as we have three extra games, one in the Super Cup and two in the World Club Championship to cope with."