Former Manchester United fullback Arthur Albiston believes the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid will see the club sign permanently Carlos Tevez.

Albiston, who made 485 appearances for United, told BBC Radio Manchester: "Cristiano might end up staying but I very much doubt it.

"Once the club have given him permission to speak to Real Madrid, I think that will be it and he will be on his way.

"It (the news) has not come as a great shock. There were a lot of rumours last season about him leaving.

"You do not want to hold on to a player who is not going to show total commitment to the club.

"Having said that, he has been a fantastic ambassador for the club. United have had six years out of him; supporters probably do not realise that as he is so young."

Argentina striker Tevez's loan spell runs out this summer and his future remains unclear.

Albiston added: "I don't think they can turn it (the transfer fee) down. The only problem the manager has got is to find someone to replace Cristiano given the number of goals he has scored.

"When (Ruud) van Nistelrooy left, people said the manager did not know what he is doing but Ronaldo stepped up to the plate.

"Whether this might allow them to sign Tevez now and still have money left in the kitty to get other players... the manager will not have his head buried in the sand. He will be looking and scouring the market worldwide."