Manchester United Transfer News: Sir Alex Ferguson Dashes Cristiano Ronaldo Talk

Manchester United and Real Madrid play the second leg of their high-profile Champions League matchup on Tuesday, which means two things. Plenty of hype about the match and transfer rumors concerning Cristiano Ronaldo's potential return to Old Trafford.

While the match should have no trouble living up to the high expectations after a draw in the first leg, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said there's nothing to talk about on the Ronaldo front, reports Simon Mullock of the Mirror.

"

There hasn’t been anything to encourage me to think Cristiano would come back here.

As far as I am aware, there is ­nothing in it at all. Ronaldo has got two years left on his contract and it seems to me it is all part of the ­negotiations that are going on about a new deal. Maybe his agent is playing the game.

"

Although things could always change between now and the summer transfer window, it seems pretty clear that Ferguson isn't putting much stock into all the speculation. He's got much bigger things to worry about right now.

Ronaldo transformed into a superstar with Manchester United, taking the raw ability that made him a rising star during his youth career and with Sporting and putting it all together. He scored nearly 70 goals across all competitions in his final two seasons with the club.

He's built on that success with Real Madrid, becoming one of the most feared attacking players in the world and creating a world-class rivalry with Barcelona striker Lionel Messi. It makes every El Clasico even more special.

The 28-year-old Portugal international has averaged more than a goal per appearance for Los Blancos. He's doing it in one of the top leagues in the world and without as much support as Messi gets every time out, making the eye-popping numbers even more impressive.

While he's seemingly found a comfort zone with Madrid, the idea of returning to the club where he took his game to the next level will always persist. That's just the way things work, especially with fans craving rumors throughout the year.

Unfortunately for Red Devils fans hoping for a reunion in the near future, the longtime United boss doesn't sound too optimistic. Perhaps his tune will shift after the season if Ronaldo's situation changes at Madrid.

As for now, Ferguson and Ronaldo are both focused on getting to the Champions League quarterfinals.