The Manchester United boss awoke in Japan yesterday to news that in a leaked conversation, a Real Madrid director had claimed a deal had been done to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.

It was not a surprise to the Scot. He expected such talk to surface ahead of next month's transfer window just as he felt Real would step up their interest in Ronaldo when close friend Gabriel Heinze left United for the Bernabeu last year.

And, after a bit of soul searching, Ferguson has come to the conclusion it is not worth bothering about.

"We just have to ignore it," he said.

"If we worry about what Real Madrid have to say we are not concentrating on our own publicity and the programme of difficult games we have got coming up.

"Sometimes they create an angry situation and sometimes I get really annoyed with them. But we know their game. I think we should play ours and ignore them."

Not that Ferguson could resist a quite brilliant put-down of Real when asked whether the stories of a transfer being concluded were true.

"Do you think I would enter into a contract with that mob?" he said.

"No chance. I would not sell them a virus.

"That is a no by the way. There is no agreement whatsoever between the clubs."

Ferguson's outspoken comments have added a fascinating sub-plot to tomorrow's Champions League draw, with Real one of five potential knock-out round opponents for the Old Trafford outfit.

The pairings will certainly draw attention away from a Club World Cup final meeting with LDU Quito - Ronaldo one of the goal-scorers in United's 5-3 semi-final spectacular with J League side Gamba Osaka yesterday.

Ronaldo doubled United's lead after Nemanja Vidic had put them in front with a trademark header.

But the real fun began once Wayne Rooney was introduced 18 minutes from time.

The England forward scored with virtually his first touch immediately after Gamba had pulled a goal back.

Darren Fletcher got his name on the scoresheet before Rooney struck again, only for Gamba to grab two goals themselves at the death.