"It got a bit too far maybe, it is such an issue at the moment in Spain. It gets a bit over the top," Van Nistelrooy told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme.

"A couple of our players, they made the comment that there was only talk about him and not about the current team and stars, and everybody's waiting for the next rumour without anything concrete."

Asked whether he expected Ronaldo to stay at Old Trafford for the forthcoming campaign, the Dutchman added: "I think so, if you hear the statements from United. It doesn't really sound like they'll let him go."