SOCCER:Alex Ferguson has dismissed as "nonsense" speculation linking Cristiano Ronaldo with a summer move to Real Madrid, who are reportedly preparing a world-record bid for the Portugal forward.

The 22-year-old signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford last April and Ferguson insists he will be staying. "I anticipated this," United's manager said.

"It happens every year in the new year and you can expect some sort of speculation. The thing with this is, Real are supposed to have spoken to us, and (the chief executive) David Gill is supposed to have spoken to them, but that's just a lie.

"We've never spoken to them and they have never spoken to us. It's mischievous to the best part, but I just dismiss it because it is nonsense. Who wouldn't be interested in Ronaldo? That's why we bought him."

Ferguson added that he would not be buying any players during the transfer window. "Everyone is trying to play a game, make speculation, but it's the name of the game with Manchester United and we're not making any moves at all."

Ferguson, meanwhile, has given an insight into how much Wayne Rooney loves his football - and Manchester United in particular.

The England striker, who could return to the side against Aston Villa this evening (live BBC 1, kick-off 5.15pm) in the FA Cup after he was laid low by a virus, has indicated he would be keen to see out his career at Old Trafford.

The former Everton star was forced to skip the narrow victory over Birmingham in midweek but has now returned to training.

United boss Ferguson, who will make a late decision, has nothing but praise for Rooney.

"Wayne is at the right club," he said. "He has been fantastic since he joined us. His enthusiasm is a breath of fresh air. He is the first player in the training ground every morning.

"Sometimes he has breakfast with the staff and asks a million questions. He doesn't get a million answers but Wayne is refreshing.

"I just have to make a decision as to how well he has recovered from the virus. He trained this morning and that is a big boost for us."

Carlos Tevez is doubtful with an ankle injury but goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will return after recovering from a groin problem.

Ferguson, whose side lost to Chelsea in the first FA Cup final at the new Wembley last year, insists the competition is important to the club.

They have won it five times under the Scot and 11 times overall. "We have the best record in the competition so it means a lot to us, " he said.

"It is a massive experience even if you lose in the final like we did.

"The question is where your priorities lie. Is it the Champions League, the Premier League or the FA Cup?

"The FA Cup has to be our priority because our next game is in the competition."

Ferguson is relishing the challenge of facing Villa after knocking them out last season. In fact they have almost become fated to meet in England's top knockout competition.

Ferguson said: "Being drawn together four times in seven years is a bit curious. When I saw their name come out, I feared the worst. It is a difficult draw and a massive game for us.

"Villa's form and our own form point to a really good cup tie. Hopefully we can get through it.

"We enjoy going to the ground and perhaps we can recapture the atmosphere of the semi-finals we have played there.

"Villa Park has got a real football feel to it. The pitch is great as well."

Ferguson was critical of the supporters during the home match against Birmingham, claiming the atmosphere was flat.

Over 7,000 fans are expected to travel to Villa Park and he added: "That is fantastic. The supporters had a bad day against Birmingham. We want to see them excited. But they have been responsible for a lot of our success. When the chips are down they are always there for us."