Tomorrow's get-together had been regarded as vital to clear the air and bring the Madrid saga to an end. Instead, Ferguson will stay in Manchester to push ahead with his attempt to sign Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov and supervise the squad departing on Wednesday for a three-match tour of South Africa.
A source close to the club said: "The manager was hoping to sort things out with Ronaldo but that will now have to wait until the team get back."
Ronaldo's attitude has hardened United's resolve to make him honour at least part of the three years left on his contract.
"Nobody twisted his arm to sign the contract. He was happy to do that and can't just change his mind on a whim," added the source.
