Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he sees Ben Foster as a long-term No1 - for both club and country.

"I can see Ben being England's goalkeeper for the next few years and his return to fitness is good news for England," Ferguson stated. "With David James, a really experienced keeper, back in the England squad, it shows that a young keeper like Ben has got a real chance.

Manchester United chief executive David Gill is adamant that Real Madrid target Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Ronaldo off making a move to Madrid saying it would be a mistake and now Gill says United have told the Spanish side they have no plans to sell the skilful attacker.

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.

Rio Ferdinand will make his first appearance of the season for Manchester United in their friendly against Orlando Pirates in South Africa.

"Rio trained yesterday," confirmed United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. "He wasn't so stiff, and if he trains well today (Monday) he will certainly start on Tuesday.

Burnley are keeping tabs on Manchester United midfielder Chris Eagles.

He told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph: "I'd love to stay at Old Trafford and make my career as a United player, but I need to think about playing regularly.

"There have been talks with Premier League and Championship clubs, but nothing's been decided.

Michael Carrick says Cristiano Ronaldo would be mad to leave Manchester United.

The Geordie midfielder said: "Knowing what the club is about, I would say there is nowhere better. Everything that surrounds the club is moving in the right direction and now we want to build on that.

Manchester United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak is hoping to see more action this season.

"I hope to get more chances to play in the future," Kuszczak told MUTV.

"I say this openly because I came to Manchester two years ago and I've trained very hard. I always try to be ready for the team and I hope my chance will come soon and I'll get more games to prove myself.

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.

Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to confirm Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson's claim that the winger will remain at Old Trafford.

Ferguson met Real Madrid target Ronaldo for clear-the-air talks on Monday and insisted on Friday that there was no chance he would be quitting United for Spain.

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?"