Ferguson expects Cristiano to sign new contract

Manchester:

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson expects Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo to sign a new five-year contract on Thursday. "Everything has been sorted out in terms of numbers and Cristiano will sign the new deal today," Ferguson was quoted as saying by Portuguese sports daily A Bola. United officials had dismissed rumors of the 20-year-old moving to Barcelona. United signed Ronaldo two years ago from Sporting Lisbon for 12 million pounds (US$22 million). "Cristiano is a fantastic player," Ferguson said. "Along with Wayne Rooney, Darren Fletcher and John O'Shea, he is the future of Manchester United." (AP)