The Independent says though the player is seeking an increase on his £120,000-a-week salary, his agent Jorge Mendes does not want him to "force the issue" and, despite the impression Ronaldo continued to provide yesterday of a man keen to leave Old Trafford, Mendes is only too aware that encouraging Ronaldo's departure will damage his relationship with the European champions at a time when he has two players, Anderson and Nani, in situ there and may wish to come knocking with more.

Arguably the most influential agent in the game cannot afford to be left with limited influence within Europe's top club.

Sources in Portugal also believe that Mendes actually considers it to be in Ronaldo's own interest to stay at United, though his influence will be tested if the club do not deliver the pay increase Ronaldo is understood to be seeking.