Ferguson slams talk of bust up with Rooney

Sir Alex Ferguson has denied as “absolute nonsense” allegations of a training-ground bust-up between himself and Wayne Rooney and has poured scorn on reports that this may have led to the striker being benched for Manchester United’s game against Fulham two weeks ago.

The affair is a further unwanted distraction following reports yesterday that a deal to take Cristiano Ronaldo from United to Real Madrid this summer is in place. Sources have claimed to Observer Sport that the deal was completed as long ago as September and that both sides signed a confidentiality agreement. The news comes at a crucial point for United as they hope to bounce back from consecutive Premier League defeats when Aston Villa visit Old Trafford