Man United assistant boss Carlos Queiroz has cranked up the row with
Real Madrid over their interest in Cristiano Ronaldo, dragging an
ancient
border dispute and explorer Christopher Columbus into the argument.

Queiroz, who like Ronaldo is Portuguese, accused Real of trying to make
the United player Spanish, claiming Spain did the same with Columbus -
who both countries claim as their own - and the disputed border of
Olivenca.

Real have made no secret of their desire to recruit Ronaldo, leading to
United to threaten to report the Spanish champions to Fifa.

With Portugal preparing for Euro 2008, Queiroz knows the furore
surrounding Ronaldo's future could not have come at a worse time.

"It is being done in a manner to distract the Portugal team at the
height of their preparations," said Queiroz.