The Sun says United's owners are considering giving the Real Madrid target a contract get-out clause.
A United insider said: "Sir Alex is determined he will not let Ronaldo go now, if only on principle.
But there are one or two people at United who are thinking 'What's the point of hanging on to him?' when Real are ready to offer so much money.
"And Ronaldo will miss the start of the season in any case through injury.
"One solution being looked at is for Ronaldo to stay one more season, with the guarantee he can go for an agreed fee at the end of next season."
Today Ronaldo has front row tickets to see veteran singer Julio Iglesias on the Algarve, after the singer invited him along.