Ferguson is outraged that both Ronaldo and new recruit Argentina’s Gabriel Heinze, now playing in the Copa America, have been called up.

“Portugal looked on Ronaldo as their saving grace in Euro 2004,” said the Old Trafford boss. “He was the one they saw as taking them to the championship, no question about that.

“He emerged so brilliantly as the tournament progressed. Now they (the Olympic people) have seen that and said: ’We will have him too’.

“When you cut up a cake too many times there is nothing left. Next season the boy may be exhausted. To be honest we might give him two months rest after the Olympics and not use him until November, which to me is absolutely ridiculous.”

Ferguson says he is only looking at Ronaldo’s long-term welfare.

“He is only a boy of 19 and you can imagine the pressure on him,” he added.

“I am not concerned about how much we are going to miss him but more about the future development of the player. Ronaldo played in 24 games last season and was substituted 16 times. That shows you how we view the situation.

“We have to look at his mental and physical development where he gets to a point that his potential is fulfilled.

“We do not want a player like that to get to 24, 25 and we are still talking about potential because he has been delayed by over-use. It is a delicate situation.”

Heinze has been warned by Ferguson he could struggle to get his career off the ground when he arrives in September.

“The one thing very apparent in this situation is that here’s a lad who may be denied an opportunity to get a career at Manchester United,” said Ferguson.

“When I start the season I may have another left back because of this and he may never get a game. He may find it difficult to get in the team.

“At least Ronaldo has proved himself as a Manchester United player so we know where we stand with him. For Heinze the opportunity to start his career with us has now been taken away from him.”

United are aggrieved that Heinze’s contract began in July 1 and he is cashing in while on national service.

Chief executive David Gill said: “We will effectively see him in early September and we have paid his salary for two months. You have to ask if that is equitable or fair. Any rational person will say it can’t be. It is difficult because you have to work within FIFA and UEFA guidelines.”

United and other G14 clubs are looking for a change of stance from the governing bodies, believing that at the moment it is a one-way street.

“Look at the money made by UEFA at Euro 2004. It is extensive,” said Gill.

“And we provided all our assets and players for free. Similarly the FIFA World Cup in 2006 will generate a lot of money.

“The G14 clubs have not given up on this by any stretch of the imagination. We are looking into it.”

United are due to hold a training session today at the NovaCare Complex, a facility which has been given the seal of approval by Ferguson.

“The place is absolutely fantastic,” he said. “You look at the dressing rooms, the kit room, you will be absolutely flabbergasted. The pitches are in pristine condition. This is the best camp we could possibly have. It’s fabulous.”