Cristiano Ronaldo to have ankle operation but will be fit to start season

Cristiano Ronaldo will undergo an operation on his troublesome right ankle within the next 24 hours - but will be fit for the start of the season.

Ronaldo, whose Manchester United future is in doubt with Real Madrid desperate to secure his services, met medical staff in Lisbon yesterday to have the damaged ankle assessed.

United club doctor Steve McNally, along with the Portugal national team doctor, held a consultation with Ronaldo in the capital, at which it was decided the winger should undergo surgery.

Ronaldo has been suffering with the injury since April, but played through the pain barrier on his way to helping United secure a second straight Premier League title as well as the Champions League crown.

The imminent operation and estimated four-week recovery period means Ronaldo will not return to pre-season training with United on July 14, the date he was due back.

Although it is still unclear whether he will be playing for United or Real next season, Ronaldo's camp are confident he will be fit for the beginning of the new season.

If anything, the operation and Ronaldo's recuperation in his homeland is likely to work to Real's advantage, with the winger away from United and any influence upon him to stay in Manchester.

United are also on the back foot regarding Fergie's No.2 Carlos Queiroz, who is ready to turn his back on a bumper pay-rise to take on the Portugal national job and succeed Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Queiroz has been offered a £500,000 rise to his £1million salary but is said to be ready to leave after four years.

Towards the end of last season, Fergie was bullish when the subject of Queiroz brought up in relation to Portugal . "You'd have to ask Carlos that," said Fergie. "But I'm sure he'll still be with us."

But Queiroz knows there can be no guarantee he will succeed Fergie and that may prove the deciding factor that sees him take the Portugal job.