Meanwhile, United legend Wayne Rooney insisted on Thursday that he remains doubtful that Ronaldo will join City.

“I don’t know what to make of it, to be honest,” Derby County boss Rooney told a media conference on Thursday.

“If you’re asking me if I think it’s possible then I’d say I have major doubts that it’s a possibility. He has a great legacy at Manchester United and I don’t think he would go somewhere for financial reasons.