Ferguson is so conscious about lifting Ronaldo's morale that he will hold private talks with the £50million-rated winger, who has long been admired by Spanish champions Real Madrid, says the Mail on Sunday.

"I hope it doesn't drive him away," said Ferguson.

"We're supposed to be an entertainment business. It's supposed to be a game of football. Players like him get more protection in Europe."

Ferguson will make it a personal mission to ensure Ronaldo does not have his head turned by Madrid.

"We'll have to encourage him that all the benefits of being here are good," he said.