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Ronaldo earns a smile from Fergie after saying the right thing in Monday's press conference

Both the reigning World and European player of the year and United manager Sir Alex Ferguson were not impressed when quizzed about the latest unsubstantiated reports linking the 23-year-old Portuguese midfielder with the Bernabeu.

In a press conference ahead of Tuesday's Champions League quarter final game against FC Porto, Ferguson wondered aloud "how many times" more he would have to endure such speculation before describing such reports as "pathetic".

Sitting alongside his manager, Ronaldo agreed, shrugged before adding: "We always have this question." The player, who scored twice in Sunday's vital 3-2 win over Aston Villa, moved to draw a line under the questioning by insisting: "I am happy at this club. I think it is the right club."

Over the weekend there were claims that Real Madrid were planning to launch a £75m bid for Ronaldo and were offering an annual salary of 12m; while they would seek to oil the wheels of a deal by offering his agent Jorge Mendes an 8m bounty for arranging a deal.

Despite claims that Ronaldo is unhappy with the rough treatment he receives at the hands of some Premier League defenders, and could be tempted to move overseas because of it, the player himself remains unfazed.

"It has always been like that," he said. "It is not only this season that defenders have kicked me to try and stop me. It is just normal."

After Sunday's win over Villa, United are now one point ahead of Liverpool in the title race and crucially have a game in hand. The Portuguese is in buoyant mood ahead of the run-in and believes an unprecedented quintuple remains a possibility.

"We are the best team in England," said Ronaldo. "We have shown that by being top of the table. That speaks for itself. We respect all our opponents but if we carry on winning, we will win the title again."

"We have a chance to win everything this season. First we have to beat FC Porto. After that, we must carry on."