Ferguson attacks Scolari over role in Ronaldo transfer

Sir Alex Ferguson and Luiz Felipe Scolari are at war - even before the Brazilian has officially taken over at Chelsea.

Manchester United boss Fergie is furious that current Portugal manager Scolari has been advising Cristiano Ronaldo to quit Old Trafford in favour of a world-record £70million move to Real Madrid.

Scolari, who takes charge of Chelsea on July 1, told Portuguese star Ronaldo he would regret passing up the chance to move to the Bernabeu.

But his advice to United's most influential player is seen by those inside Old Trafford as a deliberate attempt to sabotage their hopes of further glory. With Ronaldo appearing to have made up his mind to quit United, there are fears that Fergie is now powerless to prevent Scolari tipping the 23-year-old in favour of a move to La Liga.

Scolari's move to Chelsea spells big trouble for United according to BBC pundit Alan Shearer.

"The interesting thing for me now is does Cristiano Ronaldo go to him for advice on where he should go?" said the former Newcastle and England striker.

"Does he stay in England or go to Spain? I know what Scolari's advice to him might be now."

Ronaldo dropped a further hint he is on his way to Real after Portugal's 3-1 win over the Czech Republic at Euro 2008.

"I really like playing in a white football kit," he said, before adding "the national kit that is."

Behind Ronaldo's playful attitude to the transfer saga is genuine anger with Fergie, who claimed United owners the Glazers would rather sit the winger in the stands than sell him to Real against their will.

Those outspoken remarks are said to have angered Ronaldo, who felt they were unnecessary and a restriction of his freedom to choose where he plays.

United are adamant they will not sell Ronaldo to Real at any price.

And they have already reported the Spaniards to FIFA for continuing their public courting of the player.