The striker’s future is in the hands of Fabio Capello, as his row with United team-mate Wayne Rooney exploded again yesterday.

Both players released statements trying to play down the World Cup bust-up.

But Rooney is still furious and Portugal star Ronaldo, 21, is desperate to head for the Bernabeu.

Capello, set to quit Juventus, is new Madrid president Ramon Calderon’s choice to take over as manager.

And Real’s director of sport Pedrag Mijatovic said: “Right now it’s in Fabio Capello’s hands.

“The first thing I would say about Ronaldo is he backed another candidate to become Real president. That is unfortunate.

“The second is we have others who can play in his favoured position, like David Beckham.

“The decision will depend entirely on whether Capello wants Ronaldo.”

Mijatovic’s refusal to rule out signing the £20million-rated winger is a massive boost to Ronaldo.

But Mijatovic’s top targets are Chelsea’s Arjen Robben, Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal and Brazil’s Kaka.