Bale of the Century

Manchester United is ready to smash the world transfer record to prove there is life after Alex Ferguson.

The Glazers will hand new boss David Moyes more money than ever before to land Cristiano Ronaldo OR Gareth Bale.

Ronaldo yesterday opened the door to a return to Old Trafford by insisting his future at Real Madrid is far from certain.

But if he signs a new deal at Real, Moyes is set to splash a record £85million to land Tottenham’s double Footballer of the Year, Bale.

United’s American owners are determined the club will continue to be a major European force despite Fergie’s retirement.

Ronaldo, 28, remains United’s No 1 target and yesterday tweeted: “All the news about my renewal with Real Madrid are false.”

It suggests Ronaldo is irritated by Madrid president Florentino Perez claiming the Portuguese superstar will be staying at Real.

Perez said: “I’d bet Cristiano will retire at Madrid because it’s the natural thing.”

Ronaldo has two years left on his Real deal but his tweet made it clear he could be available.

And United would be prepared to beat the record £80m they received from Real for Ronaldo in 2009.

Spurs are desperate to keep Bale, 23, but a world record fee would be impossible to reject. The Welshman is also wanted by Real and Paris Saint-Germain.

And United believe Bale moving to Real would trigger Ron’s release. United’s record buy is Dimitar Berbatov, who cost £30.75m in 2007

Beckham Pays Tribute to Sir Ferguson

David Beckham has paid a glowing tribute to his former boss and Alex Ferguson, who he describes as a 'father figure'. Fergie — who announced his retirement today — played a huge role in developing the midfielder’s career before his switch to Real Madrid. And despite the pair having their well-publicised ups and downs, his former charge described the legendary boss as the greatest manager in football on his official Facebook account.

Beckham wrote: “As I have said many times before the boss wasn’t just the greatest and best manager I ever played under he was also a father figure to me from the moment I arrived at the club at the age of 11 until the day I left.

“Without him I would never have achieved what I have done in my career. He understood how important it was to play for your country and he knew how much it meant to me."

“After ‘98 without the manager I would have found it virtually impossible to cope with the attention I was getting on and off the field and for this I will always be grateful to him for his support and protection."

“I am truly honoured to have been guided by the greatest manager in football and to have had the career that I had under him. “Thank you boss and enjoy the rest!”