United reject Blatter claim

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The FIFA president's remarks in a Sky News interview, in which he criticised a trend towards "modern slavery" in football, surprised the Champions League winners and the game at large.

United are adamant that Ronaldo will not be leaving for Real Madrid even though the Portugal winger continues to send out mixed messages about his future and a club spokesperson said: "All our players - like at other clubs - enter into their contracts after an open and free negotiation."

It continued: "Most of whom do after taking advice from a FIFA-registered agent.

"Many do so on a number of occasions and enjoy long and successful stays at Old Trafford."

UEFA have warned that players are becoming ever more powerful as a consequence of the Bosman ruling - and played down Blatter's suggestions they are slaves to clubs.

Communications director William Gaillard, who also serves as special advisor to UEFA president Michel Platini, gave a different point of view and claimed salaries are "spiralling out of control".

"It would be useful to remind people that slaves in all of the slavery systems never earned a wage," Gaillard told Sky Sports News.

The Bosman ruling came into effect in 1995, allowing players free transfers at the end of contracts, and those coming to the conclusion of their deals have become prey for other clubs.

"It seems that both clubs and players are trying to negotiate an exit before the player is free," said Gaillard. "It is a consequence of the Bosman ruling - there is nothing we can do about that."