Carlos Queiroz, the Manchester United assistant manager, has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to remain at Old Trafford because of the affection the club has for the talented winger.

Ronaldo's future at United remains uncertain with speculation continuing over a possible move to Real Madrid although Ramon Calderon, the Spanish club's president, said yesterday that he would not break the bank to sign the player.

Calderon also admitted there was little his club could do if United did not want to sell the 23-year-old, and Queiroz believes United is the best place for Ronaldo to progress.

"Manchester United is very special," Queiroz said. "Because of that we know how to surround Cristiano completely with all the affection and all the attention he deserves.

"However, not speaking is the most sensible course of action at this moment, so that we don't contribute to a less-than-positive spectacle and so we don't aid those whose interests are difficult to identify."

Queiroz is something of a father figure to Ronaldo at United and was instrumental in keeping the player at Old Trafford in 2006, following his role in Wayne Rooney's dismissal in that year's World Cup quarter-final between Portugal and England.

Whether or not Ronaldo stays could depend on the future of Queiroz, who has been linked with the Portugal coaching post vacated by Luiz Felipe Scolari. The 55-year-old former Real Madrid head coach did not rule himself out of the job.

"I'm not going to put myself on the market," Queiroz said. "Because the decision on the national coach should not be a result of those who make themselves candidates, but a decision that is conscious, rational and based on what the federation judges is necessary for the team.

"I'm not going to tell you whether or not I'm contacted, that way I know for sure that it will be dealt with in due form and in due place."