Former Manchester United midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba says there was no chance of Manchester City signing Cristiano Ronaldo.

The story goes Ronaldo was all set to leave Juventus for City before a call from former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson stopped the move.

But Djemba-Djemba told BritishGambler.co.uk: "He loves Manchester United too much to have ever joined Manchester City. I can say that hand on heart, never would he join Man City. In football you never know, but I know him and he wouldn't have joined City. Just imagine what would happen if he went to City – it would be unbelievable, the fans would want him dead! But I'm so happy he's back home at Old Trafford.

"Now they have Ronaldo, the whole team can improve and he will raise the standards of the whole team. Ronaldo cannot win the Premier League on his own, but Varane is a very good signing as well, and United have a very good team to try and win the league. If I had to pick one team to win the league this year, I'd say Manchester United.

"Since Sir Alex Ferguson left Manchester United, this is the best team and the best squad that they have had. Ronaldo can have a huge influencer on the team in raising the standards, and I think Manchester United are going to have a great season."