Ronaldo has made his proclamation in an interview in Portuguese newspaper Publico which will be published on Thursday.

In it, the 23-year-old takes full responsibility for the transfer wrangle involving Real Madrid that has lasted throughout the summer.

While his desire to join Real at some point in the future remains, Ronaldo is happy to stay with the Old Trafford club next season at least.

"I will remain with Manchester United for another year at least," he said.

"Therefore, I can confirm that, next season, I will play for Manchester United.

"Before rumours emerge saying that I will play against my will, I want to make this clear - whoever says or writes that is lying.

"I will play for Manchester with all my heart and soul. I will fight and honour that shirt with the same commitment and dedication as always.

"I was responsible for all this controversy.

"I was the one who publicly expressed my desire to go to Real Madrid. I ended up being, even involuntarily, responsible for the poor relationship between the two clubs."

At one point United even reported Real to FIFA, such was their annoyance with officials at the Bernabeu.

Ronaldo has hinted at a wish to move but has never publicly confirmed his intentions.

But key to Wednesday's dramatic development was a meeting between the player and manager Sir Alex Ferguson in Portugal just after his country's exit at Euro 2008.

At the time it seemed certain Ronaldo would leave, but Ferguson managed to persuade the Madeira-born player he was better off where he was.

"We cleared the air in Portugal, and the boy spoke to a few of the players as well," said the Scot.

"The thing is, he knows he is happy here - and has always been happy here.

"The fans have to understand it has been a very difficult time for him. He has been offered all this money - when his dad has died a young man and he is looking after his mother, his sister and his brother.

"He has had a troubled time, and you can understand that.

"But once he knew my stance, he settled down - and as far as we are all concerned, the matter is finished. The boy is a United player - that is what is important."

Ferguson knows he will continue to be plagued by questions over Ronaldo and is equally aware the speculation will begin again next summer - given the player's claim he still wants to play for Real one day.

"I knew Real Madrid were interested in signing me and that they had allegedly made a very high offer to Manchester United," Ronaldo said.

"My desire was, for some time, that Manchester had accepted my transfer to Madrid.

"Saying otherwise would be to trick people and my own consciousness.

"But I met Sir Alex Ferguson in Portugal. He heard my arguments; I heard his - and, in fact, it was settled that the best for both parties would be for me to stay."