Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has questioned Rio Ferdinand's form amid reports that the defender could be dropped by club and country.

The England centre-back has come under scrutiny after a series of blunders over the past month, which have led to suggestions that he could be past his best.

Real Madrid boss Bernd Schuster completely understands the position of Sir Alex Ferguson over his desire to hold onto Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.

"I am well aware that if I were in his situation I would do the same," said Schuster. "For a player of this kind, not I nor anyone would like to lose him, even if we had won the league and the Champions League.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits this season could be make-or-break for several of his home-grown youngsters.

Fraizer Campbell, Lee Martin, Jonny Evans and Darron Gibson, who were all out on loan last season, plus Chris Eagles all featured in yesterday's friendly victory over Orlando Pirates in South Africa.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Michael Carrick may have to accept a bit-part role with Fabio Capello's England setup.

Fergie said: "If you look at the England set-up over the last few years it is correct that for all three of England's coaches, for Sven Goran Eriksson, for Steve McClaren and for Fabio Capello, they have more choice in central midfield than anywhere else.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted with fit-again Gary Neville's showing in yesterday's 1-1 draw with South Africa's Kaizer Chiefs.

He showed plenty of tenacity and in fact conceded the penalty that Jonathan Quartey converted to give the South Africans the lead.

Lord Sebastian Coe has said he has spoken to Sir Alex Ferguson about him taking charge of a Great Britain football team at the London Olympics.

"I would love to have him there because he is a phenomenal coach and a great man manager," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"Who else would you want to have that mentoring role with under 23 players for a build-up to the games?"

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is confident Cristiano Ronaldo will stay.

Fergie insists there is no way his star player will be signing for Real Madrid.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has branded Real Madrid's pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo as "nonsense".

"It's all nonsense, he's not going anywhere," Ferguson said. "I don't know why you keep asking me, because that's exactly what the people in Spain want."

Patrice Evra wants to win the Champions League on Wednesday for Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

"I think a manager like him deserves to win the Champions League more than once," said the France full-back.

"This is why I hope that we can deliver the gift of the trophy to him out of respect for what he has done for Manchester United.

Manchester United chief executive David Gill has hailed the club's scouting system over the success of their signings this season.