Ferguson and Ferdinand pledge the rest of their careers to United

David Beckham seems certain to spend his pre-season in the United States but who he will be playing for remains a mystery. Others are more definite, however. Ronaldinho said he would love to play for Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand says he would be happy to spend the rest of his career at Old Trafford and Sir Alex Ferguson can see himself still managing the team at the age of 70.

Beckham has been keen to back up statements from United and Real Madrid that there is no deal pending, while United officials privately said yesterday that talk of a deal being done for the England captain's transfer to Barcelona is inaccurate.

The prospective Barça president Joan Laporta spoke of paying £30m for Beckham, saying: "I view this as a great price. He is one of the few players in the world capable of earning the money back for you in commercial revenue alone."

Laporta has an obvious motive in trying to make the most of a link with Beckham. Votes for the presidency are due to be cast on 15 June.

The new European champions, Milan, ruled out a move for Beckham yesterday, saying he was too expensive.

With Beckham on a round of commercial engagements in the States and also due to embark on a four-country tour of the Far East at the end of the month, his future looks set to remain undecided for the next few weeks at least. By that time, United will probably have discovered whether their efforts to land Ronaldinho and Harry Kewell have been successful.

Yesterday Ronaldinho was understandably upbeat, saying he has a "burning desire" to join a club that plays in big games all the time and that Manchester United might fit the bill.

Ronaldinho has been unsettled at Paris Saint-Germain, who lost to Auxerre in the French Cup final on Saturday with Sir Alex watching, and the Brazilian said: "I admire Manchester United and I love watching them play. Of course I would like to be at a great club like that - anybody would."

Ferdinand added yesterday: "I can see myself playing here for the rest of my career. I'm playing along some of the greatest footballers in the world and playing for one of the best managers ever - you don't let that go easily."

Sir Alex Ferguson, too, sees his long-term future with the club. Midway through a two-year extension to his contract, he yesterday likened himself to Sir Bobby Robson at Newcastle United. He said: "Would I want to be a manager at 70? I couldn't rule it out. This year I have felt terrific. I have never felt so fit.

"When you've been in this job as long as I have, you thrive on the sort of challenge Arsène provides. I was really up for it. Maybe the confidence Arsenal were showing got my hackles up and the old adrenalin flowing. I enjoyed the battle. I feel winning the title justified my desire to stay on."