ronaldo world

Ronaldo A Cheat?

2007-10-20T02:48:00.000-07:00

Chris promised to bring in loads of showbiz scoops by calling in favours from showbiz chums including VERNON KAY and LOUIS WALSH.

But when he burst into the office the best he could come up with were “exclusives” that MATT LUCAS is gay, MADONNA owns a pair of slippers — and he’s heard a rumour that DAVID WALLIAMS is straight for today.

Hmm, not quite “hold the front page” material.

Things got worse when he tried to ring Vernon and Louis — neither of them answered.

So I had to get a real showbiz star on the phone to help him out with a story.

Chris decided he’d like to have a chat with former Hollyoaks babe GEMMA ATKINSON — because he fancies the pants off her and is convinced she has a crush on him.

Of course, no one cares whether she fancies Chris — what we all want to know about is her fling with Manchester United star CRISTIANO RONALDO.

Thankfully, once Chris had got bored of begging her to snog him, he managed to get some good gossip out of her.

Gemma told him: “I did go out with Cristiano, but it all ended when he was caught shagging prostitutes.” Well, she does have a point.

She added: “He didn’t dump me but I didn’t dump him — it just sort of ended.

“And now I’m seeing someone else, who is semi-famous.”

Gemma remained coy about the identity of her new fella, probably just to wind up Chris.

She also told him: “I’ve got fake hair and fake boobs but am very proud of my real teeth.”

Chris said: “That’s it — there’s my headline: Get Your Teeth Out For The Lads!”.

Erm...maybe not.

But Gemma did go on to give him a couple of other exclusives.

Apparently she’s off to Tennessee to record a pop album (has she not heard the one about the soap star who thinks she can make it as a pop star but is a giant flop?).

And she also let slip that she has signed up to star in a new Brit flick alongside Ab Fab’s JOANNA LUMLEY and JAMIE WINSTONE, daughter of movie hardman RAY.

But she told Chris: “I can’t tell you the name of the film because I’m not meant to be discussing it at all.”

Gemma was more than happy to talk about her new calendar shots though — and Chris was more than happy to study them closely.

It was all in the name of work you understand — he had to pick his favourite Gemma pic to print in his column.

Chris told me afterwards: “I will have my wicked way with Gemma eventually — in fact I predict it will be in the next five years.”

I’ll remind you of that one in five years’ time then.

Thanks to Chris for letting me put my feet up — it was a job well done.

Cristiano Ronaldo made dying girl's final wish come true

2007-10-16T16:22:00.000-07:00

Footballer met with terminally ill cancer patient

Cristiano Ronaldo made a little girl's dream come true when he met her at a football match.

The hunky footballer agreed to chat with the terminally ill 12-year-old when she visited the Manchester United team – and says he's proud that he fulfilled one of her final wishes.

'She had cancer and knew she was going to die,' he says.

'When I was introduced to her I was unable to ignore the sparkle in her eyes. She gave me her hand. I kissed her on the cheek and gave her a big strong hug.'

But Cristiano, 22, admits that his eyes filled with tears when he later found out she had passed away – and says he still thinks about her to this day.

'These are the things that affect me the most leaving deep scars in me,' he tells Hello!

'I said goodbye to her with a broken heart, but returned her happy smile. I had been able to make on of her dreams come true. At that moment she was happy.'

Ronaldo Has Final Expectations

2007-10-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has targeted a place in the Champions League final this season - but he expects rivals Chelsea to struggle on the trophy front after the departure of Jose Mourinho.

The Portugal international believes the Red Devils have the capability to go all the way to the final in Moscow next May and said there was a determination to do well in Europe's premier club competition.

"Manchester United is the favourite (for the Champions League). Milan, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter also have good chances," said Ronaldo, who also revealed a long-time desire to succeed at international level after finishing fourth at last year's World Cup in Germany.

"We want to reach the final at the very least. I am extremely ambitious and want to win every title.

"I especially want to win the World Cup. For Portugal to get fourth place in Germany last year was not a failure."

Meanwhile, Mourinho's shock exit from Stamford Bridge last month left new coach Avram Grant with a huge act to follow and Portugal international Ronaldo believes that cannot fail but to have an impact.

"Chelsea without Mourinho, that's a completely different team," Ronaldo, according to The Times, told Austrian newspaper Heute.

"You can never write Chelsea off, but I have a feeling that this will not be a good season for them."

Man Utd tie up with potential Bollywood blockbuster

2007-10-14T02:29:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI — Bollywood movie "Goal" has tied up with Manchester United Football Club in the hope of scoring a major hit when it is released at the end of the month.

Indian actor John Abraham plays the role of a footballer inspired by the English Premier League champions.

"It's great to be associated with the Manchester United Club for our film," Abraham told Tuesday's The Times of India. "I have been a die-hard soccer fan since childhood and I have been idolising Manchester United since then."

The movie's director Vivek Agnihotri said it was the first time that the club would be associated with an Indian movie.

"We have shot in (the) club premises which is also another first for any Indian movie," he said.

The Times of India said England's Wayne Rooney and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo will be among the United heroes featured in promotional clips for the movie.

Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu, Abraham's girlfriend, also stars in "Goal."

The story revolves around a club facing closure unless they start winning games.

The manager takes his players to Manchester United, not to learn to sing and dance in traditional Bollywood style, but to seek inspiration.

With India's economy booming and new audiences being drawn to the cinema, Bollywood films are branching out into new fields.

"Chak De India" (Go India), a film based about hockey, proved a roaring success this year with superstar Shah Rukh Khan in the role of a disgraced player who turns the Indian women's hockey team into world cup winners.

Cristiano Ronaldo Helps Portugal to a Win

2007-10-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

AKU, Oct 13 - Portugal kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the Euro 2008 finals after two first-half goals gave them a 2-0 victory over 10-man Azerbaijan in their Group A qualifier on Saturday.

Dominant Portugal started brightly and defender Bruno Alves opened the scoring after 12 minutes with a glancing header following a corner from Deco.

Azerbaijan were reduced to 10 men on 28 minutes when captain Aslan Karimov was sent-off for a foul on winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

Portugal, who had drawn their last three qualifiers, doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time when striker Hugo Almeida, a late replacement for the injured Nuno Gomes, tapped in a cross from the right by Miguel.

Azerbaijan counter-attacked strongly in the second half and Branimir Subasic shot wide with only goalkeeper Ricardo to beat after 75 minutes.

Ronaldo failed to celebrate his 50th appearance for Portuguese side with a goal when he hit the Azerbaijan post after a fine run on 77 minutes

Portugal trail leaders Poland, who face Kazakhstan later on Saturday, by a point with three qualifying matches to go in the eight-team group.

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was serving the first of a three-match ban imposed by UEFA after what the governing body termed an "assault" on player Ivica Dragutinovic after Portugal's 1-1 draw at home to Serbia on Sept. 12.

Ronaldo nets poll win

2007-10-13T02:10:00.000-07:00

United fans have backed Cristiano Ronaldo to continue his 2006/07 form and top the Reds' scoring charts come the end of the season.

More than 7000 ManUtd.com visitors participated in the poll, which saw the Portuguese winger blitz the field with a staggering 54 per cent of the votes.

Ronaldo scored 23 times last season and has already found the net four times during the current campaign, inlcuding one against former club Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, England international Wayne Rooney, who also scored 23 times last season, placed second in the poll with 30 per cent of the votes, while summer signing Carlos Tevez rounded out the top three. Tevez took some time before netting his first United goal but has now scored twice in his last three league appearances.

Cristiano Ronaldo writes off Chelsea challenge

2007-10-12T02:31:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson and his Manchester United players have been careful not to gloat since the departure of José Mourinho from Chelsea last month, but Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted to the sense of optimism at Old Trafford by saying that the London club are no longer the same team without their Portuguese manager.

In the interests of diplomacy, the subject of Mourinho’s exit was off limits when Ronaldo held a press conference a week ago to launch his new book, but when he was asked this week how strong Chelsea would be without Mourinho, the winger said: “Chelsea without Mourinho, that’s a completely different team. You can never write Chelsea off, but I have a feeling that this will not be a good season for them.”

Ronaldo’s remarks are unlikely to please Ferguson, the United manager, whose preference is for his players to be seen and not heard. The comments were made in an interview with a Viennese newspaper, Heute, given to promote next summer’s European Championship finals in Austria and Switzerland. The Portugal winger also boasted that United are favourites to win the Champions League.

United are bullish after eight consecutive wins in the Barclays Premier League and the Champions League, a run punctuated only by the glaring 2-0 home defeat by Coventry City in the Carling Cup, but a series of injuries has given Ferguson cause for concern.

Louis Saha withdrew from the France squad yesterday with the knee injury he suffered while warming up before the 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic on Saturday. Saha follows Edwin van der Sar, Nemanja Vidic, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Owen Hargreaves in being ruled out of international duty this week.

Cristiano Ronaldo: I Didn’t Say That Roma Players ‘Begged For Mercy’

2007-10-11T17:19:00.000-07:00

Ronaldo: I Didn’t Say That Roma Players ‘Begged For Mercy’

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has denied ever saying that Roma players begged him for mercy during last season’s meeting in the Champions League.
In the build-up to Tuesday’s re-match between Man Utd and Roma, the press printed extracts from Ronaldo’s book, which supposedly said that some Roma players pleaded with the winger not to “do any more dribbles”.

However Ronaldo has rubbished these reports and says that everything has been misinterpreted.

“Read my book and you will see on page 112 exactly what happened,” he stressed. “A Roma player did ask me to stop dribbling, but obviously he was joking just like some English players do when they ask me to switch to the other side of the pitch.

“Roma played well and had some good chances and we aren’t the side we were in April. But we are improving and we will be better at the Olimpico in December.”

Ronaldo also accepted that the elbow he received off Roma striker Mirko Vucinic, which caused him to require stitches for a facial wound, was not deliberate.

“It wasn’t an intentional foul,” Ronaldo said. “It was just one of those things that happen during a game.

“I don’t like black eyes, but Vucinic didn’t do it on purpose and these things happen in football.”

http://goal.com/en-us/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=435169

Cristiano Ronaldo to the door of the 50th game

2007-10-11T01:57:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo and Deco go to complete fifty games as international Portugueses in the near Saturday, in the Azerbaijan. The extreme and the medium one achieve a historical mark in record time, verifying fully that there was life for there of Fig and Rui Coast, moving away the suspicions of big part of the Portugueses.

After the "golden Generation", that so much glories gave to Portugal, news symbols for the national selection arose, with an aim to an afirmaçação full in the international scene. Cristiano Ronaldo and Deco are for the selection of Scolari as Fig and Rui Coast were for the previous. Still shared the same space, but barely for an effective passage of testimony.

Ronaldo and Deco contributed directly for the 2º place in the Championship of the Europe of 2004 and for the 4ª position in the Championship of the World of 2006. With 22 and 30 years, respectively, the players of Manchester United and Barcelona still have very for give to the selection, especially in the difficult one apuramento for the final phase of the European of 2008.

The two players reach the mark of fifty games in record time (Ronaldo will be even the more new and the more quick, in that case due to the most greatest number of international commitments in the present time).

Cristiano Ronaldo

Date birth: 1985-02-05 (22 years) Number of games in the selection: 49 Number of goals in the selection: 19
First participation in the selection: 2003-08-20

Cristiano Ronaldo estrou-itself by the national selection in a private meeting facing the Cazaquistão. To 20 of August of 2003, the extreme replaced Fig to the break and, to the 18 years, fulfilled to first phase of a shining ascent. It affirmed itself as title of the selection in full Euro2004, after to have marked the goal of honor in the initial defeat facing the Greece. To the third game, with the neighboring one Spain, entered in the eleven for never again leave. Of this then, alone failed four games, two of them private.

Ron: You won't win any Mour

2007-10-10T01:23:00.000-07:00

CRISTIANO RONALDO has taunted Chelsea claiming Jose Mourinho’s shock exit will stop them winning anything this season.

The Manchester United superstar last night insisted the Blues are not the same team without boss Mourinho — who won six trophies in three years at the Bridge.

Israeli Avram Grant has been under fire since his appointment 21 days ago and Ronaldo’s comments are certain to heap more pressure on the new boss.

Portugal’s King of the Wing is adamant letting go of Mourinho will prove disastrous and Chelsea’s season will end without the Premier League title.

Ronaldo, 22, said: “Chelsea without Mourinho are a completely different team.

“They are always a good team but I have the personal feeling that it will not be a good season for the Blues.”

Ronaldo also revealed his ideal date — a night out with Hollywood sex-bomb Angelina Jolie.

He said: “The woman of my dreams is Angelina Jolie. She has everything I’m looking for.

“A serious relationship for me is impossible at the moment as football is the most important thing in my life.”

Ronaldo’s United are second in the table — just two points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

Chelsea are seventh and lagging seven points behind the Gunners, despite having played one more game.

Ronaldo insisted United’s priority this season is to win the Champions League — the trophy manager Alex Ferguson covets the most.

But the star also wrote off Chelsea’s chances of conquering Europe this term.

Ronaldo added: “Manchester United is the favourite. Milan, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter also have good chances. We want to reach the final at the very least.

“I am extremely ambitious and want to win every title.”

The Portuguese wideman also revealed his ambitions for his national team.

He said: “I especially want to win the World Cup.

“For Portugal to get fourth place in Germany last year was not a failure.”

And Ronaldo has backed England to go close at Euro 2008 next year.

He said “Germany, France, Italy, England and Portugal are the Euro 2008 favourites.”

The Old Trafford favourite is in the running for World Player of the Year after some stunning performances and goals in United’s sensational title-winning season.

But Ronaldo conceded that Brazil and AC Milan idol Kaka should win the title.

He said: “At this time Kaka is the best player in the world.”

Ronaldo says his long-term aim is to become a United legend and has already fulfilled his childhood dream of wearing the United shirt of his Reds idol.

He added: “I remember my favourite player Eric Cantona.

“I was training hard and dreaming to be the best. I still do. Now I wear the No 7 shirt like Cantona.”

And Ronaldo now wants young players to follow his example.

He said: “Kids must work very hard every day to improve themselves. Kids must take risks to get a chance for a big career.

“When I am finished I want to be remembered as one of the great players.”

Ronaldo Praises Kaká But Not Milan

2007-10-09T15:41:00.000-07:00

Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo talked about a range of topics, including his choice as the best player in the world and his favorites to win the Champions League, as well as Chelsea's current situation.

Before focusing on an important weekend for his national team's bid to qualify for Euro 2008, Portugal and Manchester United starlet Cristiano Ronaldo gave an interview in which he talked about the current state of things in English and European football.

"The best player in the world? At the moment it's Kaká," he said, "but Milan are inferior to Manchester United: I think we are the real favorites to win the Champions League, with the Milan teams and the Spanish teams immediately behind us."

The Portuguese ace revealed his idol is former Manchester United legend Eric Cantona: "I'm wearing the number 7 shirt, the same as my idol Cantona, it's an honor."

He then went on to talk about Chelsea, who are going through some dark times following the departure of Jose Mourinho.

"Without Mourinho, I think they'll have a difficult season," Ronaldo mused, "I don't know how they will manage without him. I'm not saying Chelsea won't aim for the title, but I would be lying if I said I didn't think they're going to have serious problems this season.

"But for now I'll think about the national team: if we qualify, I think we can aim for the title along with the usual teams, Italy, Germany, England, and France."

More honours for Cristiano Ronaldo

2007-10-09T02:02:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo's brace against Wigan on Saturday was enough to earn him the ManUtd.com Man of the Match accolade.

More than 1000 fans voted in the poll, which saw the Portuguese winger pushed all the way by striker Carlos Tevez, whose tireless performance attracted 34 per cent of the vote. But it was two-goal hero Ronaldo who took home the prize for the second straight league match, with an impressive 41 per cent.

The Reds' no.7 has now scored four goals in his last five appearances, including winners against Sporting Lisbon and Birmingham City.

This latest honour comes on the back of Ronaldo's inclusion in the 2006/07 FIFPRO World XI. The only United player in the side, Ronaldo's place in the midfield alongside Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) and Kaka (AC Milan) was confirmed on Friday 5 October.

The FIFPRO World XI is voted for by professional footballers around the world.

Cristiano Ronaldo (ManUtd vs. Wigan photos 6.10.07 )

2007-10-08T16:19:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo: "We'll retain our title"

2007-10-08T11:50:00.001-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo is confident United will retain the Premier League title, but the winger expects things to be tougher this time round.

Having seen Arsenal and Chelsea finish top of the pile for three seasons, the Reds finally reclaimed the Championship crown in May after a four-year drought.

After a string of 1-0 victories, Ronaldo helped the Reds to a 4-0 victory over Wigan with two second half strikes which temporarily lifted them to top of the table. The Portuguese international admits there is still room for improvement, but he remains convinced United will end the season as champions once more.

“I believe we will win [the title] this season, but I think it will be tougher,” he said at the launch of his new book ‘Moments.’ “Every season I think United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal will have a chance to win the league. But I think United will win.

"Arsenal and Liverpool look very strong this season. Arsenal are playing fantastic football at the moment. They have a young team, but are doing very well. Liverpool are doing well too, but I believe we are the best team."

Winning the Champions League remains Ronaldo’s ultimate dream, but the 22-year-old insists United are more than capable of success both at home and abroad.

“There is always pressure to win trophies every season at this club,” he says. “This season is no different. We must win something.

"Winning the league last season meant everything. We had a fantastic season and played a lot of great games. Everyone felt good and fit and I hope everyone will feel the same this season.

“The Premier League and Champions League are the most important trophies and I believe we will win one of them or even both.”

"English football will miss Jose Mourinho," said Ronaldo

2007-10-07T13:35:00.000-07:00

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has called a truce with Jose Mourinho and wished his countryman all the best for the future.The pair became embroiled in a major row at the end of last season, which ended with the former Chelsea boss claiming Ronaldo "lacked class".

His attack brought a stinging response from Sir Alex Ferguson, who felt compelled to stand up for his star man, marking the low point in what was generally a cordial relationship between the Scot and former Chelsea boss Mourinho.

However, Ronaldo has shown he bears no grudge towards Mourinho and feels the loss of the Portuguese coach will leave a hole in the Premier League.

"English football will miss Jose Mourinho," said Ronaldo.

"He is a great manager.

"He won a lot of things in England and the titles speak for themselves.

"Maybe he wants a new experience but I wish him all the best."

Ronaldo did not say whether he felt Mourinho's exit would have an adverse effect on Chelsea's title challenge this term.

However, with just two points from their last four games heading into this weekend, Avram Grant has a major job on his hands to rekindle hopes of a third championship in four seasons for the Stamford Bridge outfit.

Whether Grant achieves his aim or not, Ronaldo is convinced United are destined for at least one major honour this season despite their own slow start.

"There is always pressure on you to win something," he said.

"That is the case at all the big clubs in the world and this season is no different for us.

"We need to win something; Premier League or the Champions League. These are the most important trophies and I believe we will win at least one, possibly both."

Having contributed an incredible 23 goals to the Red Devils cause last term, Ronaldo knows he faces an immensely difficult task to match that figure.

However, he may need to reach such a total if United's struggles in front of goal continue for much longer.

He certainly feels a back-to-back Red Devils title win for the first time in seven years is a more difficult proposition this time around with both Arsenal and Liverpool expected to mount a more forceful challenge.

"There will be more teams involved in the title race this season," he said.

"Liverpool and Arsenal are very strong, and along with Manchester United and Chelsea have the chance to win the league every season.

"Arsenal are playing fantastically at the moment and they have such a young team. Liverpool have new players and are doing well too.

"But I believe Manchester United are still the best.

"I know we are not playing the best football at the moment.

"But it is coming and which I think it will be tougher this season, I believe we will win it."

Totti Makes Cristiano Ronaldo Threat

2007-10-06T16:36:00.000-07:00

Roma captain Francesco Totti believes the Giallorossi were unlucky to lose to Manchester United and has issued a veiled threat to Cristiano Ronaldo.

The build-up to the Old Trafford clash was focused on the Eternal City outfit’s desire for revenge after last year’s 7-1 humiliation.

United’s Portuguese star Ronaldo intensified emotions by claiming that Roma players “begged him to stop” during the Magica’s night of ignominy.

Ronaldo went off bleeding after being struck by Mirko Vucinic’s elbow, but Totti has implied that he will receive much harsher treatment in the return game.

“We didn’t say anything to Ronaldo regarding his comments in the last few days,” Er Pupone revealed.

“I can assure you that the elbow he took from Vucinic was an accident, but now he has to come to the Olimpico…”

Luciano Spalletti’s side battled hard but lost 1-0 and were left to rue the referee’s decision not to award a penalty for what seemed to be a foul on Amantino Mancini.

“Compared to last season, we played much better,” Totti continued. “We controlled the pitch better and we ran the play.

“We even got a penalty that wasn’t given. All in all, we didn’t deserve to lose.”

Manchester United travel to Rome on December 12 and Totti will be determined to ensure that it is a nightmare before Christmas for the Giallorossi's new public enemy No 1.

what a idiot, you'd think a more experianced player would know better..

anyway i'm sure we will have already qualified!

Cristiano Ronaldo: I Can Beat 23-Goal Mark

2007-10-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo sees no reason why he should not top last season's phenomenal 23-goal tally.

The Manchester United winger's extraordinary achievements were one of the major reasons why the Red Devils ended a four-year Barclays Premier League title drought and ended the campaign just three wins away from emulating their 1999 Treble triumph.

Although the 22-year-old was forced to sit out three games following his dismissal at Portsmouth, he has still managed to find the net on two occasions, scoring the winners at both Sporting Lisbon and Birmingham in the last fortnight.

And, while he has set himself a stiff target to aim for, Ronaldo feels he is capable of meeting it.

"Twenty-three goals is a lot for a winger," he admitted.

"To score that number made it a special season indeed.

"But I believe in myself. I feel I can do better, or at least equal what I did last year and I will be trying hard to do exactly that."

Ronaldo was speaking at the launch of his book 'Moments', where he was forced to wear a pair of oversize designer sunglasses to protect the eye injury he suffered during Tuesday's win over AS Roma.

Although Sir Alex Ferguson had suggested Ronaldo felt he was the victim of a deliberate elbow by Roma substitute Mirko Vucinic, the Madeira-born winger played down the incident.

"It wasn't intentional," he stressed.

"I don't want to look like this but these things happen in football."

Ferguson has already spoken of the need for Ronaldo to be offered more protection by referees, although the player said he would "never" be bullied out of the game by thugs.

However, as far as that issue was concerned, he was prepared to stand behind the words of his manager rather than adding to them, content to remain in the shadow of a man he admires intensely but, whom Ronaldo testifies, is still capable of a temper explosion despite his 20 years at the Old Trafford helm.

"I am at this club because of Sir Alex Ferguson," he said.

"He is a fantastic coach and a good person. When you do bad things, he still wants to kill you but that is a good thing for a manager.

"He is the one who gives me the confidence to play."

It seems the pair are going to be together for quite a while too.

With Ferguson confirming he has no intention of retiring, Ronaldo is happy to remain where he is as well, even though the biggest clubs in the world would be begging at his door should he ever decide to quit Old Trafford.

"I have enjoyed playing for this club for five years and I want to keep going like that," he said.

"Sometimes in the past I have thought about other clubs but I took a decision to stay because this is the right place for me.

"It is not just about the club. It is the people, the players and the supporters. You have everything here.

"No-one knows the future but only when the club says they don't want me will I leave."

‘Beautiful’ Cristiano Ronaldo able to laugh off bruises from Roma battering

2007-10-04T14:25:00.000-07:00

The weather was archetypal Manchester, a world away from the subtropical heat of his native Madeira, yet Cristiano Ronaldo was sporting a pair of oversized sunglasses. “Oh purr-lease,” someone sighed as he swaggered into Old Trafford, followed by assorted flunkies and groupies, but on this occasion, Ronaldo insisted, it was in the interests of looking acceptable rather than cool.

Beneath the sunglasses was a small gash on his left eyebrow, the legacy of a tangle with Mirko Vucinic, the AS Roma substitute, during Manchester United’s 1-0 victory in the Champions League the previous evening. Ronaldo’s reaction to that incident was to tell Sir Alex Ferguson that he had been the victim of an act of thuggery.

Yesterday, with the emphasis on diplomacy as he plugged his new book, he chose to dismiss it as an unfortunate accident. “I don’t like to look like this, but in four or five days I will be beautiful once again,” he said. With that there was a disarming smile, in keeping with the United forward’s desire to project a softer image, a desire shared by his many commercial partners and, presumably, the publishers of his new book, Moments, which is less an autobiography than an extended plug for the Ronaldo brand.

Filled with “intimate” photographs (a small number of which show him with his torso covered), it is a project that would have repulsed Ferguson had it come from David Beckham circa 2002, but the United manager now accepts that footballers have changed and that Ronaldo is the epitome of a new breed: young, gifted and not afraid of self-publicity.

For all that, he is a tough cookie. Maybe not tough enough to stay on the field after his brush with Vucinic on Tuesday, when he left United to play out the final stages of the match with ten men, but tough enough to withstand the rough-house treatment to which he is frequently subjected by opponents, tough enough to keep coming back for more even though he knows he invites trouble with his outrageous skills and willingness to terrorise and even to humiliate full backs.

“I don’t care what they do,” Ronaldo said with a smile yesterday. “They will not stop me playing the way I do. I think my manager does a great job in trying to protect me. Now it is up to the rest of the players, my opponents, to listen.”

What he meant by that last statement is unclear, but it is evident that Ronaldo believes, as Ferguson does, that his unique talents merit being protected. Ferguson calls him a throw-back, likening him to the late Jimmy Johnstone, the great Celtic and Scot-land winger of the 1960s and 1970s. “Jimmy would get kicked all over the place, but he would just want to attack the big bully who had kicked him to the ground,” Ferguson said. “Cristiano is just the same.”

The same, perhaps, yet the two wingers are separated by more than generations. Johnstone spent all but the final years of his career with Celtic, whereas Ronaldo left Sporting Lisbon – and his family – at the age of 18 to join United. Yesterday, he recalled “shaking like a leaf” on his debut against Bolton Wanderers in August 2003, yet within three years, with his enormous potential not yet fully exploited, he was telling anybody who would listen of his desire to join Real Madrid, apparently a more suitable stage for his talents. It was only on the insistence of Ferguson and Carlos Queiroz, the United assistant manager, that he returned to Manchester for preseason training.

It is difficult to see Ronaldo spending his whole career with United, but having signed a five-year contract in April, he was in no mood to encourage the interest of Real yesterday. “This is the right club for me,” he said. “In the past I thought about other clubs, but my agent and I decided that this is the best place for me to be. Not just the club; the players, the manager, the fans, everybody associated with United. I think I’m at the right club with the right people. I love playing for this club and I want to stay for many years.”

Moments of thought

According to Ronaldo, the title, Moments, sums up the essence of his book. Here are a few pearls of wisdom . . .

— “My passion for football is obvious. I also have a boyish side I don’t want to lose ever.”

— “I like to improvise, as ball-dribbling, posing, speaking a sentence or whatever one has to do flows more naturally when improvised.”

— “Football is my absolute priority, but I do recognise that I am very fond of advertising.”

— “Humility is one of the values I most cherish, as well as education and instruction. On the day I have a child, those are the main principles I will pass on to him.”

Cristiano Ronaldo glad he stayed after Rooney furore

2007-10-03T15:18:00.001-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo said his friendship with Manchester United team mate Wayne Rooney has remained intact despite the furore at last year's World Cup.

The 22-year-old winger was vilified for his part in Rooney's sending-off in Portugal's World Cup quarter-final victory over England.

"My relationship with him is great and always has been, before the World Cup, after the World Cup and now," Ronaldo said during a book launch at Old Trafford early today (NZ time).

"Sometimes after a game when you are hot headed you say something you don't want to say.

"Then afterwards, you realise the real thing and you think the people are good, the club is fantastic and everything is sorted."

During the match at Gelsenkirchen last July, Ronaldo rushed to the referee and apparently demanded Rooney be sent off after the striker had battled his way through two players and trod on Ricardo Carvalho's groin as he tried to disentangle himself.

Rooney was handed his marching orders and Ronaldo was captured by TV cameras winking at his bench as the England forward walked off the pitch.

Many felt the incident would force Ronaldo to leave Old Trafford but 15 months on from the controversy, the Portuguese said he was glad he had stuck it out.

"Sometimes before I was thinking about other clubs but my agent and me took the decision and this for me is the best club," he said.

"It's been fantastic for me. I have enjoyed playing for this club for five years and I want to keep going and I want to stay.

"When the club say they don't want me any more I will leave. But I enjoy staying here.

"I like to be part of the history of this club. You have everything here."

Ronaldo, voted England's Footballer of the Year in May, was a key figure in United's domestic success last season. He top scored with 17 goals to help Alex Ferguson's side regain the English premier league title for the first time in four years.

He now wants to add the European crown to his collection of honours.

"This season my dream and my colleagues' and my friends' is to win the Champions League.

"I want to win it this season and I think we have the team and the players, so why not?"

Cristiano Ronaldo leads Man United to 1-0 victory

2007-10-02T14:20:00.001-07:00

Wayne Rooney belted home his first goal of a frustrating season to drive Manchester United into pole position in their bid to reach the Champions League knock-out phase.

There may have been no repeat of the epic magnificent seven the last time they met Roma but United's latest victory over the Italians will be cherished almost as much.

Certainly Rooney will be looking back on the night's events with satisfaction as he finally made an impact on behalf of a misfiring United strikeforce, finishing neatly from Nani's lay-off and, with one flash of his right foot, silencing the growing question marks over his form.

'One-nil to the champions' may be a refrain more associated with Arsenal than United but this was their sixth such success of the campaign so far and, with maximum points from the opening two games in Group F, leaves Sir Alex Ferguson's men knowing four points from their double-header with Dynamo Kiev will take them through with two games to spare.

They had to survive two late scares though as Simone Perrotta and Mauro Esposito - at a time when United had been reduced to 10 men because of Cristiano Ronaldo's departure with a badly cut head after Ferguson had used his three allotted substitutes - both missed gilt-edged chances.

Perhaps the most unsurprising aspect of the night was no repeat of the stunning events that unfolded when the two sides last met here in April.

By the 20-minute mark on that famous night, United were already three goals up and on their way to an eventual semi-final defeat against AC Milan.

Indeed, by the same point this time around there had barely been three shots as both sides exhibited a greater degree of caution even if neither could be described as timid.

Roma, with their skipper Francesco Totti to the fore, as well as fleet-footed Brazilian winger Mancini were actually the better side early on.

On his European debut, Tomasz Kuszczak made low saves to deny both men, although on the second occasion an incorrect offside flag had been raised against Mancini, who had been set free by Cicinho's superb pass behind John O'Shea.

Having left both Carlos Tevez and Ryan Giggs on the bench, big performances were expected of their replacements Louis Saha and Nani.

Saha was effective, stretching the Roma defence with his direct style but it was Nani who impressed more, the opening period representing the teenager's best efforts since completing his £17million summer move from Sporting Lisbon.

The Portugal winger produced three excellent crosses which should have brought United at least one goal.

Ronaldo nodded the first over and Roma keeper Gianluca Curci unconvincingly pawed the second away from O'Shea, a replacement for the injured Wes Brown.

Nani's third effort was the best, a far post ball which dropped perfectly for an unmarked Rooney.

It was the type of opportunity Rooney is perfectly capable of smashing into the top corner. This time he merely volleyed it over, which did not improve his temper much.

At times, the young Merseysider did not seem entirely happy with his lot. His reaction to a few quiet words of advice on the touchline from United assistant-manager Carlos Queiroz was not especially positive and Ronaldo's dominance of the home side's free-kicks was another irritation.

It has to be said, Ronaldo is becoming somewhat Roberto Carlos-esque; his high failure rate being obscured by the occasional memorable success.

After drilling one such shot into the Roma wall, Ronaldo had a second attempt, from 35 yards, which Curci did well to cling onto as it dipped right in front of him.

Nani's eye-catching evening continued with a cross that spun off the top of Roma's crossbar, although when he stepped inside Cicinho just after the hour mark, then curled the ball beyond four expectant team-mates, he could only scream at the sky in anguish.

Mancini was doing the same not long afterwards when he was barged over in the box by Michael Carrick, only for Spanish referee Manuel Mejuto Gonzalez to wave away the penalty protests.

It proved to be a pivotal decision as Rooney was about to strike.

Fittingly, Nani provided the assist with a disguised through ball which made the most of excellent approach work from Ronaldo and Carrick.

The finish was a gem, Rooney's shot bouncing off the inside of Curci's right-hand post, the striker having unleashed a first-time shot just out of the Roma keeper's reach.

It proved enough to win, and finally bring a smile to Rooney's face, although he would not have been laughing much had Perrotta and Esposito not been so wasteful at the end.

Ronaldo is KING!!

Roma begged for mercy - Cristiano Ronaldo

2007-10-02T04:23:00.000-07:00

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo claims Roma begged him for mercy during their 7-1 Champions League last-eight, second-leg defeat at Old Trafford.

The Italians return to Manchester on Tuesday for the first time since April's 8-3 aggregate loss.

Ronaldo, who marked a sublime display with two goals, said: "When we were 6-0 up, one of their players said 'don't do any more dribbles', almost begging.

Ronaldo will crush Them....

"I won't reveal his name as these are comments brought about by the game."

The tie was a tempestuous affair - the first leg was marred by crowd trouble at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome as United midfielder Paul Scholes was sent off in a 2-1 defeat.

Fans were also involved in a series of scuffles outside Old Trafford before the second leg in Manchester.

But United, inspired by Ronaldo's performance, cruised to what manager Sir Alex Ferguson called 'the best night of European football' at their home ground.

Portuguese international Ronaldo added: "Other players ask me to go to play on the opposite side and others don't show any humour when they make threats to my physical integrity.

"I know that they are merely trying to scare me.

"But these comments are worthless, for I keep playing in exactly the same way."

Ronaldo, who made the Roma revelations is his new book Moments, is in good form, having scored the winner in Saturday's Premier League match against Birmingham.

Cristiano Ronaldo: I want to be a dad

2007-10-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

Football star says he's been getting broody

Man United's Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he'd like to have a baby before he gets married – and says he really fancies being a dad.

The 22-year-old – who is rumoured to be dating Eurovision singer Luciana Abreu – says that while he's not planning to start his own family just yet, it's something he often thinks about.

'The idea of the responsibility frightens me but also excites me,' he tells Hello!, 'when I am with the children in the family I get broody.'

Cristiano enjoys stepping into a Father Christmas suit each December to deliver kids' prezzies.

'Every year I dress up as Santa Claus in full costume,' he says. 'It is a family tradition. The younger children have no idea…it is magical.'

The soccer star hopes that his future son will want to follow the same profession as his father.

'I would be very proud if my child became a footballer and had similar characteristics to me,' he admits.

'I dream about that day but, for now, I do not want to go beyond the limit of dream.'

source: nowmagazine.co.uk

i can't wait untill he becomes a father. Mr Green

yeah it would be pretty cool if his future kid was a footballer, i wonder if he had a daughter though, what she would be, a model?

Man Utd's Ronaldo: I'm getting better and better

2007-09-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, right, and Birmingham City's Rafael Schmitz battle for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match at St Andrew's, Birmingham

Cristiano Ronaldo believes his form is getting better and better after his winner for Manchester United at Birmingham City last night.

"My form is coming," he told MUTV. "I always try to work hard in training and hopefully I will keep improving and more goals will come as well.

"But my main concern is the team - I think only about that. The most important thing in football is getting the three points and I was pleased we did that against Birmingham."

The 22-year-old admitted United rode their luck at times at St. Andrews, but still felt they deserved the win over Steve Bruce's side.

"It was a very tough game against a good team. They created a few difficult moments for us, but thankfully we managed to keep them out," he said.

"We didn't play as well as we can, but sometimes you can win matches without playing well.

"Our good football is coming. We have great players at the club and great staff and we will improve."

Cristiano Ronaldo secures United triumph

2007-09-29T12:15:00.000-07:00

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, celebrates after scoring his team's opening goal against Birmingham City, during their English Premier League soccer match at St' Andrews, Birmingham, England. Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007.

Birmingham - Cristiano Ronaldo marked his 100th Premiership appearance for Manchester United in perfect style with the solitary goal that delivered a 1-0 victory over Birmingham at St Andrews on Saturday.

United warmed up ahead of their Champions League meeting with Italian side AS Roma at Old Trafford on Tuesday night with their fourth 1-0 win of the campaign in their eight games so far to keep Sir Alex Ferguson just two points adrift of Premiership leaders Arsenal.

But United were far from at their best as Steve Bruce's side gave them a thorough examination and were unlucky not to claim a point.

Portuguese winger Ronaldo ensured that it remains 29-years since Birmingham last beat United with his first league goal of the season, after registering his first goal of the campaign against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League last week.

Although United's fifth successive league victory did come at the cost of losing Dutch international goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar with an injury that could force him to miss Tuesday night's visit of Roma.

Van der Sar injured himself in a heavy fall before half-time and had to be replaced by Polish back-up goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak at half-time.

United were fortunate as Van der Sar had to make two fine saves in the opening two minutes to keep out Cameron Jerome's shot from the edge of the area and Franck Queudrue's header from the resulting corner.

And Serbian defender Vidic demonstrated just why Ferguson and the hierarchy at Old Trafford are looking to offer him a new contract, just two years into his existing deal, with a fine block to prevent Jerome from opening the scoring. Rio Ferdinand also cleared off the goalline to deny Gary McSheffrey.

After being "flabbergasted" by the way his next crop of youngsters capitulated to Coventry City in the League Cup last Wednesday night, Ferguson returned to the same team that had beaten Chelsea six days earlier, but they struggled to discover the same levels of intensity.

There only real opportunity was wasted when Wes Brown's excellent long pass drew Maik Taylor off his line, but Wayne Rooney, whose last Premiership goal came back on April 28th against Everton, failed to lift his attempted lob over the Birmingham goalkeeper.

Rooney had scored in his last three games against Birmingham, but has now gone nine games without a goal this season and his lack of goals will be a worry for Ferguson and England manager Steve McClaren, but there are no concerns about Ronaldo.

Birmingham only made one real mistake in the whole of the 90 minutes and Ronaldo was on hand to punish them in the most severe way possible and deny manager Steve Bruce a celebratory glass of red wine with his former manager at United.

Ferdinand's long ball should have been dealt with by Queudrue as it bounced in the area, but he failed to intercept and Ronaldo nipped and swerved past Liam Ridgewell and Maik Taylor before sliding his shot into an empty net from close range to give United their fifth 1-0 win in 11 games so far.

Cristiano is the Best in the World!

Cristiano Ronaldo: I hate smoking, I don't drink and I'm not a big spender

2007-09-29T06:03:00.001-07:00

Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo says all he wants is a quiet life and enough cash to buy a few candles.

The Man United star - who reportedly invited 5 escort girls to a bash at his £3 million home earlier this month - says he would much rather have a quiet evening in than go on a boozy night out.

'Many people have images of footballers as people who like to go out all the time, spend their money lavishly and like to date many women,' he tells Hello!

'But I don't drink alcohol, I hate smoking and I'm not a big spender. I live in a rural part of Cheshire, where squirrels, birds and cows are my closest neighbours.'

Cristiano, 22, isn't the least bit interested in wild parties around the Jacuzzi.

'Much of time is spent at home, with my friends and family,' he insists. 'I enjoy to be peaceful and often sit by candlelight to relax. Tranquillity is important to me.'

Cristiano Ronaldo is going to have a new Portuguese friend in Man. Utd

2007-09-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Manchester United Football Club are planning another raid on Sporting Lisbon.

The Reds forked out £12.5million to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from the Portuguese club in the summer of 2003, and followed this up by paying £17million for Luis Nani during the last transfer window.

And now reports claim Sir Alex Ferguson is lining up a third raid on the Estadio Jose Alvalade, with 21-year-old midfielder Luis Veloso a target for an £8million move at the end of the season.

“United is a dream for a player,” said Veloso, who faced United in the UEFA Champions League earlier this month. “I’m no exception but I want to continue working. When the time comes I’ll think about it.”

Manchester United's Paul Scholes, right, fights for the ball with with Sporting's Miguel Veloso during their Champions League group F soccer match Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007, at the Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo nominated for FIFPro Players’ Award

2007-09-27T03:56:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo the attacker of Man. Utd. is among the 55 players shortlisted for the FIFPro Players’ Award

Among the nominees for the award won last year by Brazilian player Ronaldinho, there are… Ronaldinho, Kaka, Didier Drogba, Thierry Henry, Materazzi, Cannavaro, Buffon, Gattuso, Pirlo, Inzaghi, Lampard, Gerrard, Terry, Beckham, Rooney, Eto’o, Ibrahimovici, Messi, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Berbatov.

With 11 nominees, Italy is the country with the most numerous candidate players, followed by England (9), Brazil (70 and Spain (6). With nine players, AC Milan is the team with the most numerous players picked as nominees for the award (Ronaldo was counted for both AC Milan and real Madrid), followed by Chelsea and Barcelona with eight players each. Next come Real Madrid (6) and Manchester United (5).

Ronaldinho won last year’s FIFPro Players’ Award. The ideal team of the season 2005-2006 was as follows: Buffon (goalkeeper) – Thuram, Cannavaro, Terry, Zambrotta (defenders) – Pirlo, Zidane, Kaka (midfielders – Eto’o, Henry and Ronaldinho (forwards). While Ballon d’or (French for Golden Globe) is awarded following the vote by correspondents of French sports magazine France Football, and the winner of the FIFA trophy, by coaches, the winner FIFPro Award is voted by the 45,000 players affiliated with the association.

I Hope he win's..

Luciana Abreu is the new Cristiano Ronaldo girlfriend

2007-09-26T16:01:00.000-07:00

Blonde Luciana auditioned for Idolos, the Portugese version of Pop Idol, in 2004 but didn’t make it to the final.
A year later the 22-year-old performed for Eurovision as half of duo 2B but again failed to make her mark.
Her big break in showbiz came when she won the lead role in TV show Floribella, playing a poor girl who falls in love with a rich guy.

Cristiano, 22, has remained tight-lipped about his new relationship - despite Luciana being spotted sitting with his sister Katia at a football match in Lisbon.
To catch a glimpse of Luciana, see her perform at the 2005 Eurovision Contest…

Trio nominated for local awards

2007-09-26T03:08:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Sir Alex Ferguson have all been shortlisted for honours at the North West Football Awards and United fans can play a part in helping them win.

Ronaldo and Giggs are both up for Premier League Player of the Year and face competition from Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard and Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta.

Sir Alex is nominated in the Manager of the Year category and is up against Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, Blackburn Rovers manager and ex-Red Mark Hughes and Blackpool’s Simon Grayson.

Fans can now vote online at northwestfootballawards.co.uk/vote ahead of the awards' ceremony which takes place on 12 November at The Midland Hotel in Manchester. Voting closes on Sunday 7 October.

Ronaldo's mum hopes he settles down

2007-09-24T12:21:00.001-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo's mother is hoping that the footballer will settle down with his latest girlfriend Luciana Abreu.

The Man United player has been dating Luciana, who found fame on Portugal's version of Pop Idol, for six months.

"I'm hoping she's not the one that gets away," Ronaldo's mum Dolores told a Portuguese magazine. "But you can't tell what will happen with things of the heart."

Dolores has previously accused former Hollyoaks star Gemma Atkinson of telling lies about dating her son.

Ronaldo girl gets ma's OK

2007-09-23T02:24:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo's mum has given her blessing to his relationship with a sexy Pop Idol star.

Dolores Aveiro said she adored the Manchester United player's blonde girlfriend Luciana Abreu.

She confessed: "She's a lovely person - a real sweetie. I talk to her all the time and we're often together. She's so beautiful. I'd love to have her as my daughter-in-law."

Dolores told a Portuguese magazine: "I'm hoping she's not the one that gets away but you can't tell what will happen with things of the heart."

Luciana, 22, lost out in her native Portugal's Pop Idol contest in 2004, but went on to represent her country in the Eurovision Song Contest and now has an acting role on kids' TV.

It's said she's been seeing 22-year-old Ronaldo, for six months - though that didn't stop him taking part in a four-hour orgy with five prostitutes and two other Man Utd stars last month, as revealed by the Sunday Mirror.

Here she is again.....

Ronaldo attacks fan with his foot

2007-09-22T02:33:00.000-07:00

FOOTIE star Cristiano Ronaldo is facing a police quiz after being accused of attacking a rival fan.

Stunned Evertonian Carl Lloyd claims the Manchester United ace stamped on his right arm near the end of the teams’ Premier League clash yesterday.

Carl, 34, says he was left in agony and was treated in hospital last night before making an official complaint to Merseyside police.

Joiner Carl, who was sitting near the touchline behind an advertising hoarding, says the incident happened when he leaned over the board to try to retrieve the ball.

Last night he told us that he feared the arm had been broken – putting his livelihood at risk.

Carl, from Wallasey, Merseyside, told us: “I’m in excruciating pain. I don’t know if I’ll work again any time soon.

“I couldn’t believe what happened. All I was doing was trying to retrieve the ball and then this happened.

“He had a bad day on the pitch now he’s given me a bad day.

“It was a stamp on my arm and the pain is all the way from my knuckle to my elbow. There are stud marks as well. The whole length of the bone is in agony and it has swelled right up. I wouldn’t be surprised if it hadn’t been broken in a few places.”

After having treatment from St John Ambulance medics at Everton’s home Goodison Park, Carl went to Arrowe Park hospital in Birkenhead, Merseyside.

Last night he headed from the hospital to give a full statement about 22-year-old Ronaldo’s alleged attack to the police.

A police spokesman said last night: “A number of potential witnesses have been identified and will be spoken to in an attempt to establish the details of the incident.”

The alleged incident took place near the end of the game that Manchester United won 1-0.

Ian Ross, Everton’s director of communications, said: “Our stadium manager, safety officer and my department have no knowledge of this, so there is nothing we can say.”

United said they could make no official comment without first receiving confirmation of an incident.

meanwhile , reports say that Ronaldo is very happy with his New Girlfriend Luciana Abreu....Heres another pictures of her...

Ronaldo dating a Portuguese Pop Idol flop

2007-09-21T02:37:00.000-07:00

London, Sept.21 : Portuguese and ManUnited soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is dating sexy blonde Pop Idol flop Luciana Abreu.

The 22-year-old described herself as a good Catholic girl who liked to read the Bible.

Last week, Luciana Abreu was spotted in the company of Ronaldo's singer sister Katia watching the Man U winger play two international games for Portugal in Lisbon.

According to The Sun, Luciana lost out in the Pop Idol contest in 2004. But the following year she represented Portugal in the Eurovison Song Contest.

Now she is one of the country's biggest TV stars after landing a role in hit kids show Floribella.

Ronaldo, however, is tightlipped about who he is dating.

Ronaldo returns to wreck Sporting

2007-09-20T12:49:00.000-07:00

LISBON, Portugal -- Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo admitted to mixed emotions after his header sealed a 1-0 win for Manchester United at Sporting Lisbon in their Champions League Group F clash.

The winger received a warm reception from home fans at the club where he began his professional career, but there was no room for sentiment when he nodded home Wes Brown's cross in the 62nd minute for the only goal.

United's Ronaldo, whose celebrations were muted, told Sky Sports afterwards: "This is my colour, red, this is my team, but I like Sporting - it's my second home and I am a little bit sad, but Manchester is my team.

"These people are very important to me. But I am happy for the victory and three points."

He added: "It was a perfect night - I score, I win, it was great for Manchester United. It is always important to win away.

"It was a fantastic game that everyone enjoyed and I think the result was fair."

Ronaldo spent seven years wearing Sporting green before he left for Old Trafford in 2003 with a 12.2million price tag.

He marked his return home by providing the Red Devils with only their third Champions League away win in 15 encounters.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted to open with a win away from Old Trafford. "Winning your first game away from home sets the tone for us," he said.

"At half-time we looked to improve our game with more penetration and I think we did.

"They had some opportunities on the edge of the box but never really opened us up."

Ferguson was happy with Wayne Rooney's contribution as he lasted more than 70 minutes in his first appearance since breaking his foot on the opening day of the season.

"It was difficult to know how long to keep him on but the goal made it easy," he said. "I'm sure he'll be ready for Sunday (against Chelsea)."

Roma underlined their threat in United's group when Perrotta (9) and Totti (70) gave them a 2-0 home victory against Dynamo Kiev.

Sporting succumb to returning Cristiano Ronaldo

2007-09-19T14:13:00.001-07:00

Manchester United FC again found Lisbon to be a happy hunting ground as they got their UEFA Champions League campaign off to the perfect start with a 1-0 win at Sporting Clube de Portugal thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's fine diving header against his former club.

Happy return
The United winger scored the only goal of the game two minutes past the hour after United withstood early home pressure to give his side a welcome away win in Group F, following on from last year's victory elsewhere in the Portuguese capital against SL Benfica. United will seek to build on this victory when AS Roma come to Old Trafford on 2 October, when Sporting travel to FC Dynamo Kyiv.

Sporting quality
Sporting overcame FC Internazionale Milano on Matchday 1 last season and again started with confidence against high-quality opponents with the home midfield especially prominent in the early stages. Leandro Romagnoli's shot was deflected over and shortly after the industrious Italian was involved again, setting up João Moutinho for a 25-metre shot straight at Edwin van der Sar. United's first sight of goal was also from outside the area, but Ronaldo's aim with a long-range free-kick was wayward.

Long-range efforts
Ronaldo, making his first appearance against the club he left in 2003, forced the first save from Vladimir Stojković in the 24th minute, the Sporting goalkeeper pushing a low shot out for a corner after the United winger had cut in from the right. Anderson Polga then got in on the action, trying his luck from range but sending his effort whistling past Van der Sar's left-hand upright.

Deflected shots
The Dutchman was then forced to fly to his left to tip Liedson's shot from the edge of the area around the post after it flicked off the toe of Wes Brown's boot. It was past the half-hour before the other former Sporting star in United's ranks, Nani, made his first major contribution, although he promptly came close to scoring against the club he left in June, his well-struck shot deflecting narrowly wide.

Away travails
United were determined to improve on last season's away form in the UEFA Champions League when they lost four out of six games on their travels and started the second half strongly, Wayne Rooney just failing to connect with Patrice Evra's cross. Sporting coach Paulo Bento hoped to give his side better attacking options with the introduction of Simon Vukčević but it was United captain Ryan Giggs who was unable to take advantage of the clearest chance of the night yet, heading Ronaldo's cross over when unmarked.

Ronaldo header
Two minutes past the hour the visitors did finally take the lead, Ronaldo meeting Wes Brown's inviting right-wing cross with an excellent diving header. The Portuguese winger declined to celebrate and the home crowd sportingly applauded when the goalscorer's name was announced. The home side continued to search for a way through, Van der Sar producing a superb parry to keep out Tonel's header, and when Yannick Djaló blazed the rebound over Sporting's last chance had gone.

Cristiano Ronaldo Freestyle Mix - Click here for this week’s top video clips

FERGUSON FEARS FOR RONALDO

2007-09-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

Ronaldo gets sent off at Portsmouth.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson fears Cristiano Ronaldo is being targeted by referees because of his extreme talent.

Ronaldo was only just returning from a three-match ban following his dismissal by Steve Bennett for headbutting Portsmouth's Richard Hughes when he was cautioned by Alan Wiley for diving during the Premier League win at Everton on Saturday.

Ferguson has reviewed both incidents on video and on each occasion, he feels the official clearly got it wrong.

And, on the eve of Ronaldo's return to his former club Sporting Lisbon, the Red Devils chief has expressed his anxiety over the treatment his star man is receiving.

"It is a worry for us," said Ferguson.

"It is almost as though Cristiano is being punished for his success.

"There is no question in my mind there is an unfairness about it all.

"We have looked at the Portsmouth one from another angle and it was a quite ridiculous decision. Hughes said Cristiano never touched him, so he gets a three-match ban for that.

"And the one on Saturday was even more ludicrous. Quite clearly, Cristiano was tripped on the edge of the area. Why would Cristiano go down when he can score? On that occasion, the referee reacted far too quickly."

It is clearly an opinion Ronaldo concurs with, even though, sat two feet to his manager's right, the Portugal international opted not to enter the debate.

"What the boss says is true," said the 22-year-old.

"But I don't want to talk about referees. I only want to speak about them to my manager and my team-mates."

Ferguson's concerns about Wednesday night's Champions League Group F opener at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon were only heightened when he was informed excitable German referee Herbert Fandel was in charge.

It would be fair to conclude United have an unhappy history as far as Fandel is concerned.

A trained pianist, Fandel has played all the wrong notes for Ferguson in the past, sending off Roy Keane during a stormy last 16 tussle with FC Porto three years ago before producing another red card to get rid of Paul Scholes in last season's quarter-final first leg against Roma.

Initially, Ferguson buried his head in his hands as Fandel's name was mentioned, before jokingly adding: "We need a supply of mogadon."

Whether he felt the calming drug was for Fandel or his own temper, Ferguson did not say.

However, it is a fair bet he will settle for a similar performance from Ronaldo to the one he produced the last time the two sides met in 2003.

Even though it was a pre-season friendly, the then 17-year-old wide man was so impressive in Sporting's 3-1 win, no lesser figures than Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs spent time on the flight back to Manchester imploring Ferguson to sign the unknown youngster.

Within weeks, the Scot had done just that, the £12million outlay now ranking among Ferguson's shrewdest investments.

"It is always difficult when you sign a boy of that age," he said.

"He has to grow and develop and also get used to living in another country, which is never easy.

"Under those circumstances, the rapidity of his rise has been absolutely amazing.

"Now we are seeing a maturity in his performance of someone in their mid-20s."

After torrid returns to his homeland against Porto and, twice, Benfica, Ronaldo is expecting a more positive reception tomorrow.

Madeira-born, Ronaldo claims Sporting is his 'second' home and is even still to decide whether to celebrate should he find the net for a fourth time in Champions League combat tomorrow.

However, he has also warned Sporting his fondness does not translate into any willingness to go easy on his old club.

"I played here for seven years, I have a lot of friends here and I have always wanted to come back," he said.

"I know people like me here. At Benfica they barrack me, here my reception will be good.

"I am very excited about the game and am looking forward to it so much.

"But however much I like the club, my first colours now are red and I hope to win with Manchester United."

Here's some of Cristiano Skills

Man Utd's Ronaldo in Everton fans bust-up

2007-09-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

Manchester United wing ace Cristiano Ronaldo is in the middle of a fans row.

The Sunday Mirror says Ronaldo became the latest United player to be accused of misconduct by Everton fans. Merseyside police said they have received reports of an incident in which Ronaldo allegedly wrestled the ball from a 34-year-old Everton fan.

Man Utd stay on winning run as Ronaldo returns

2007-09-16T05:34:00.000-07:00

LONDON - Manchester United celebrated the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to their line-up by chalking up a third consecutive 1-0 win, at Everton on Saturday.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side, who have struggled for form and goals over the first month of the season, appeared to be heading for their third draw in six matches as Everton matched them for long periods at Goodison Park.

But with seven minutes left Nemanja Vidic got his head to a near post corner from new signing Nani to clinch all three points for the champions.

Ronaldo, who was back in the side after serving a three-match suspension for head-butting Portsmouth's Richard Hughes last month, had vowed to steer clear of trouble but that did not prevent him from collecting a yellow card for diving.

Ronaldo: I nearly quit

2007-09-15T14:59:00.001-07:00

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo revealed he nearly quit football after he was bullied over his accent.

The Portuguese star claims he was bullied at Sporting Lisbon's academy after leaving his native Madeira at the age of 12, and says he often used to cry down the phone to his mother.

"As soon as I opened my mouth, they immediately started laughing and mocking. I was traumatised. I felt like a clown. I cried with shame," he revealed.

"I called my mother saying I could not stand it, that the other kids were making fun of me and that I wanted to return home. Today, I am very proud of my accent. I find it striking."

He also suggests that the uproar surrounding his involvement in Wayne Rooney's World Cup dismissal last year was the reason behind his good form last season.

"After the match I was criticised and whistled at," he said. "It was not very pleasant but it did me some good. With this I grew wiser and it helped me to mature.

"I feel privileged the British people have taken me to their hearts. The best thing about Britain is the people."

Ronaldo: I've learned from butting red card and refuse to be provoked

2007-09-14T17:36:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo will return to Premier League action amid the hostility of Manchester United's visit to Everton today, having promised Sir Alex Ferguson that he is a changed man.

United's Portuguese superstar has been a frustrated onlooker for the past three games after being dismissed for butting Portsmouth midfielder Richard Hughes at Fratton Park last month.

And Ronaldo will line up at what is bound to be a feverish Goodison Park vowing never again to fall victim to provocation from opponents.

He said: "I've learned a lot from this punishment. Now I am mentally prepared to tolerate anything my rivals throw at me. They cannot provoke me any more.

"This is a promise I've made to the manager. It will never happen. I wouldn't wish the experience of the past few weeks on anybody and I know I'm no use to the club if I am not on the field.

"I live for football and during the last few weeks I've suffered more than at any time in the past three years. It has been an incredible feeling not to be able to help the team."

United have struggled in Ronaldo's absence and the Premier League resumes today with the champions having work to do to make up the ground they have already lost on leaders Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea.

With striker Carlos Tevez struggling to settle after his protracted move from West Ham, United need Ronaldo to hit the ground running.

They are also hoping to include Wayne Rooney in their squad although the England striker, who has recovered from a broken foot, is expected to be on the bench and could be left out altogether in favour of making his comeback away to Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Ronaldo added: "The return of Rooney is sensational news for us. His injury has affected our game but when he is back we will have far more power in attack.

"With players like Rooney, Louis Saha and Tevez, we will have a sensational front line. People have still not seen the real Manchester United this season.

"With injuries and red cards this is already different to last season but we still have time to win the title again. The points difference is not that great.

"I believe the League will be more open but we have the confidence to repeat our title win and go on to win many more."

Ferguson knows that Ronaldo will be the subject of intimidation from the Goodison Park crowd and also fears some of David Moyes' players may attempt to provoke the 22-year-old.

The United boss has warned Ronaldo that he must learn to keep a lid on his emotions.

"It is a possibility there could be provocation towards Ronaldo," said Ferguson. "Some players will try that, but that is up to Ronaldo to control himself.

"To know what a good player he is and that he is only helping them by reacting to it."

United will be without the versatile John O'Shea and midfielder Darren Fletcher for six weeks after they picked up knee injuries on international duty.

Ronaldo return puts United on full blast

2007-09-14T03:51:00.000-07:00

LONDON - Cristiano Ronaldo's return for suspension will provide Manchester United with a badly-needed injection of firepower for a testing trip to Everton on Saturday.

Sir Alex Ferguson's champions have started the defence of their Premier League title sluggishly and have found goals hard to come by in the opening month of the season.

But club captain Gary Neville believes that, with Louis Saha having returned from injury with a goal against Sunderland two weeks ago, Ronaldo free to play once more and Wayne Rooney's return imminent, normal service is about to be resumed from the Old Trafford forward ranks.

"Carlos Tevez has been up there on his own. He's come over from the Copa America and been thrown in at the deep end," said Neville, who is nearing his own return from injury but is unlikely to feature at Goodison Park, where Rooney could be on the bench against his former club.

"ItÂs been difficult for us not having three of our forwards available. But you could see in the win over Sunderland the difference Louis made when he came on, and I think with Wayne coming back soon we'll get even stronger."

Unbeaten Arsenal and Liverpool already have a two-point advantage and a game in hand on United and Neville admitted: "We have to make sure we don't fall too far behind the leaders at this stage.

"Cristiano getting suspended obviously added to our problems but I think it will all come together in the next few weeks."

With only Liverpool and Arsenal ahead of them in the table, Everton have started the season looking the most likely candidate to break into the top four.

But David Moyes's side may have to do without former United goalkeeper Tim Howard, who has been in superb form but dislocated a finger in the United States' friendly defeat by Brazil last weekend.

Liverpool and Arsenal both face testing encounters at the end of a week in which most of their first-team squads have been on international duty.

Arsene Wenger will be hoping to celebrate his new four-million-pound-a-year contract at Arsenal with victory over Spurs in the north London derby at White Hart Lane.

In contrast, Martin Jol's grip on his job is looking sufficiently tenuous for him to be concerned that a home defeat on Saturday could trigger a dismissal move by a disgruntled board.

It is eight years since Spurs beat their neighbours and Jol knows how much kudos he could gain from delivering a victory this weekend.

"It's not only getting above Arsenal it's beating them," the Dutchman said. "The main thing for us is getting points on the board. We have to change things. We're in a position we don't like and we have to improve on that."

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will take his squad to Portsmouth and the Spaniard is deeply unhappy that a lunchtime kick-off has squeezed his internationals' recovery time.

"The players arrive back on Thursday evening and the only thing you can do with some of them is just to run a little bit and send them home," he said.

"For me it's impossible to prepare the team properly, you can prepare small details but to prepare the team physically and mentally for the game will be difficult."

Benitez expects to have Jamie Carragher back in action after a two-match absence caused by a rib injury and was relieved that Steven Gerrard had come through two England matches without aggravating his broken toe.

"He was a hero for England and it had been a very positive week for him and us in that sense," he said.

Chelsea have the most relaxed schedule of last season's top four, courtesy of an early evening kick-off, but their visitors, Blackburn, have a habit of making life anything but relaxed for Jose Mourinho's men.

Fixtures (1400 GMT kick-off unless stated)

Saturday

Birmingham v Bolton, Chelsea v Blackburn (1615 GMT), Everton v Manchester Utd (1100 GMT), Portsmouth v Liverpool (1145 GMT), Sunderland v Reading (1400 GMT), Tottenham v Arsenal (1230 GMT), West Ham v Middlesbrough, Wigan v Fulham

Sunday

Manchester City v Aston Villa (1500 GMT)

Monday

Derby v Newcastle (1900 GMT)

Rui Costa: Split Ballon d'Or between Kaka, Man Utd's Ronaldo

2007-09-13T03:19:00.001-07:00

Benfica veteran Rui Costa believes this year's Ballon d'Or should be split between Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka.
AC Milan midfield ace Kaka is regarded by many as being favourite for the Player of the Year award and while former Rossoneri star Rui Costa would love to see the Brazilian pick up the trophy, he also wants recognition for fellow Portuguese Ronaldo, the Manchester United winger.

"This year I would split in two the Ballon d'Or and give half to Cristiano Ronaldo and half to Kaka," said Rui Costa.

Cristiano Ronaldo's perfect woman must be beautiful as Angelina Jolie

2007-09-12T02:57:00.000-07:00

London, Sept 12 : Portugal international, and Manchester United player Cristiano Ronaldo reveals that his idea of the perfect woman is a stunner like Angelina Jolie.

The soccer ace, who was recently caught in a romp with five hookers, saif that though he only went after women who were 'funny, kind, and friendly', they would also have to as beautiful and sexy as Jolie.

"It is what is inside a beautiful woman that's important, although she must be beautiful, like Angelina Jolie," The Sun quoted him, as telling Hello magazine.

Another requirement that is a must, Ronaldo insisted, was that the woman must be able to engage in a 'good conversation', and must make him laugh.

"I appreciate funny, kind, friendly women with good conversation. Laughing is one of my favourite pastimes," he said.

The Portugal winger - who recently split from model Gemma Atkinson - also revealed to the mag that he was 'private about the girls he dates'.

"I'm private about the girls I date. I do have my romantic moments but I am sensible," he said.

However Ronaldo wasn't too careful, for he and teammates were recently caught paying 3,000 pounds for call-girls at his Manchester house.

Cristiano Ronaldo plays for Manchester United - HQ's pictures

2007-09-11T01:20:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo - Manchester United Training HQ Pictures

2007-09-10T03:31:00.000-07:00

Hq's Pictures of him...

Cristiano Ronaldo - Player Of The Year Awards 2007 HQ Pictures

2007-09-09T13:43:00.001-07:00

Portugal 2 Poland 2

2007-09-08T16:01:00.000-07:00

Ronaldo - scored for Portugal.

Poland's Jacek Krzynowek grabbed a late equaliser to deny Portugal a crucial victory in Euro 2008 Qualifying Group A on Saturday.

The visitors went ahead through Mariusz Lewandowski just before half-time but Maniche levelled for Portugal five minutes after the interval.

Cristiano Ronaldo looked to have sealed a precious win for Luiz Felipe Scolari's side with 17 minutes remaining, but Krzynowek's fortuitous late strike rescued a point for Poland.

Ronaldo and Simao Sabrosa caused problems for the Polish defence early on.

The latter blasted a free-kick against the wall after seven minutes as the hosts dominated the early exchanges.

Deco then found Nuno Gomes in the area with a wonderful pass on 26 minutes, but Artur Boruc saved well at the striker's feet.

A minute later, Ronaldo fired a stinging drive against the bar as Scolari's side continued to threaten.

But Poland also came close at the other end six minutes later, when Ebi Smolarek fired just over the bar.

A minute before half-time, the Poles did take the lead.

Ricardo parried Jakub Blaszczykowski's shot from the edge of the area, but Lewandowski was at hand to smash home the rebound.

Portugal reacted quickly after the interval and got back on terms when Nuno Gomes got in behind the Polish defence to set up Maniche who gratefully fired past Boruc after the goalkeeper had failed to clear the danger.

Nuno Gomes almost added a second goal seven minutes later after good work from Jose Bosingwa, but this time Boruc was alert to the danger and intercepted well.

Nuno Gomes was then replaced by Ricardo Quaresma after 68 minutes and the change had an almost immediate impact.

Quaresma charged down the right and crossed for Simao.

The Atletico Madrid winger failed to connect with a header, but the ball fell kindly to Ronaldo, who smashed a volley past the helpless Boruc to put Portugal in front.

The Manchester United star's effort looked enough to secure a win for the Portuguese, but with three minutes remaining Krzynowek smashed a long-range effort against the post with the ball rebounding into the net off Ricardo's shoulder.

Teams:

Portugal Ricardo, Bosingwa, Fernando Meira, Bruno Alves,Caneira (Miguel 12), Deco, Maniche, Petit, Ronaldo,Nuno Gomes (Quaresma 69), Simao (Joao Moutinho 81).

Subs Not Used: Quim, Andrade, Tiago, Nani.

Goals: Maniche 50, Ronaldo 73.

Poland Boruc, Wasilewski, Jop, Zewlakow,Bronowicki (Golanski 55), Blaszczykowski, Lewandowski, Dudka,Smolarek (Lobodzinski 73), Krzynowek, Zurawski (Matusiak 56).

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Sobolewski, Saganowski, Glowacki.

Booked: Boruc, Wasilewski, Bronowicki.

Goals: Lewandowski 44, Krzynowek 88.

Att: 48,000

Ref: Roberto Rosetti (Italy).

Real Madrid could've signed Man Utd's Ronaldo as junior

2007-09-08T05:31:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid football chief Miguel Angel Portugal admits they could've signed Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo as a youngster.
Ronaldo joined United from Sporting Lisbon, but not before he was turned down by Real, as Portugal revealed: "We had Cristiano Ronaldo in our hands.

"But it didn't happen and it was disappointing. Real Madrid back then never spent money on it's junior signings."

Cristiano Injured?

2007-09-07T12:48:00.000-07:00

Simão knows his side cannot afford to lose any more points as Portugal gear up for a pivotal week which could see their UEFA EURO 2008™ qualification aspirations vastly enhanced or all but ended.

Pressure
No team has thus far managed to stamp their authority on Group A with sides dropping points all the way through, and the coming week could have a huge bearing on which two sides emerge to book a place in next summer's finals. Just five points separate the top four, with Portugal third in the quartet, albeit with a game in hand on the teams above them, and Simão is targeting six points from qualifiers against leaders Poland and Serbia. "We must win both matches," said the Club Atlético de Madrid winger. "We are behind due to points lost and the onus on us is greater now. But I believe the team is strong and we can win both matches."

'Decisive matches'
Portugal lost their away fixture against Poland 2-1 and Simão is keen to right some wrongs, adding: "We learn all the time and we should always remember the mistakes. It was a bad game for us but it is important to look ahead - we can fix the errors." There have been more since, most notably dropping two points away to Armenia last month, but Simão's focus and determination is apparently shared by his team-mates. "They are decisive matches and we are focused only on winning them," said midfielder Petit. "We don't have room for any more mistakes."

Call to fans
Portugal's cause has not been helped by the withdrawal of Real Madrid CF defender Pepe and Luiz Felipe Scolari would have had palpitations when Cristiano Ronaldo pulled up with a thigh problem in training on Tuesday. But the winger has been given the all-clear and Petit is hoping the fans will provide a further lift when the side line up in Lisbon against Poland on Saturday and then Serbia four days later. "I hope the stadiums are full because the supporters' help will be crucial," he said. "Our team is very strong and I am confident we can qualify."

source: uefa.com

it says hes been given the all-clear but it is a worry, if he gets injured United fans won't see him play for us for ages as when he next plays vs Everton it will be a month before we have seen him play... Undecided let's hope it's just precaution.

Fergie gives Man Utd's Ronaldo pass over party hijinks

2007-09-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has decided to give Cristiano Ronaldo a pass after his infamous party romp.

The Mirror says although the Reds boss has been left red-faced as the club reel from details of Ronaldo's steamy exploits with four high-class hookers, a club insider has suggested he and teammates Anderson and Nani will get off with a mere rollicking from the boss.

The club insider said: "No doubt he'll have a word or three in the lads' ears.

"But everyone knows they're single lads and, although it wasn't the best publicity, they'll probably escape with a typical Fergie rollicking then be told to get on with what they do best - play brilliant football."

RONALDO IN TROUBLE!!!!AGAIN!!!!

2007-09-04T11:09:00.001-07:00

FOOTBALL ace Cristiano Ronaldo is in the fast lane towards another rollicking.

Days after being accused of a romp with hookers, he has been clocked hurtling around a go-kart track at breakneck speed.

Witnesses watched in amazement as Ronaldo, 22, left behind Manchester United team-mates Nani and Anderson in a cloud of dust at the Daytona track near Old Trafford.

The £50million trio raced at up to 50mph during their 30-minute session – enough to give United’s insurers a heart attack. Now they are in for a double blast of manager Alex Ferguson’s famous hairdryer.

A club insider said: “The boss will certainly be having a word in their shell-likes.

“While he will be delighted that Ronaldo is clearly bonding with the two new boys, Sir Alex would rather see such relationships forged over a gentle game of golf.”

A source at the Daytona circuit said: “Ronaldo is a regular here and is very competitive.

“It was very competitive with Nani in particular but Ronaldo beat him easily in the end.

“They didn’t want any special treatment and paid for their session just like everyone else.

“People were very surprised to see them. They had a great time and happily posed for pictures with fans afterwards.”

Despite their smiles, the three players are still under a cloud over claims by call girls Gemma Storey, 20, Tyese Cunningham, 18, and Juliana Baltrusch, 24.

They say the trio paid them and two pals £2,900 for a sex fest at Ronaldo’s home near Manchester to help celebrate United’s first win of the season against Spurs last weekend.

Tyese claimed that she plunged naked into the swimming pool with Ronaldo, and got to grips with Portuguese whizz kid Nani, 20, in the steam room and with Brazilian Anderson in the pool room.

She said that Anderson was the “best endowed” of the trio.

And she added: “He kissed me afterwards. He didn’t just treat me like a piece of meat.”

Gemma said she romped in a shower room with Ronaldo – who has split from his 22-year-old model girlfriend Gemma Atkinson.

Tyese and Gemma claim they also put on a lesbian show for the stars in the pool.

Juliana said she was so smitten she left her bra and knickers behind in Ronaldo’s mansion.

What do you think is he really gonna be in big trouble?HuhHuh
or is it just paper talk i just can't tell from these tabloids

Man Utd's Ronaldo to avoid fine over party romp

2007-09-03T13:07:00.000-07:00

Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely to be fined by the club after the Portugal winger was accused of organising an orgy with five prostitutes and two team-mates at his house nine days ago.

The Times says Juliana Baltrusch, a 24-year-old Brazilian prostitute, who works for Mckenzies escort agency in Leeds, and two of her colleagues have claimed that they attended a party at Ronaldo's £3 million Cheshire home with Nani and Anderson and two other prostitutes after Manchester United's 1-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson discovered on Thursday that the allegations would be made against the three players over the weekend, but the United manager showed his faith in Nani, the 20-year-old Portugal winger, and Anderson, the 19-year-old Brazil forward, by selecting them to start in Saturday's 1-0 victory over Sunderland. Ronaldo was suspended after being sent off in the Barclays Premier League match against Portsmouth last month, but is expected to return in two weeks for United's next Premier League game, away to Everton.

The details of the five women who are reported to have attended the party, were removed from Mckenzies website yesterday. "We are a highly respected escort agency, so it's no surprise that top Premiership players decided to use our services," a source at the agency said. "We hear that Ronaldo was very happy with our girls. In fact, that's probably an understatement."

Five hooker orgie for Ronaldo

2007-09-01T12:22:00.000-07:00

He was never known for being a quiet guy, but Cristiano Ronaldo perhaps went better even by his own standards as a British newspaper uncovered a sex and booze night with five hookers in the company of new Man Utd signing Anderson.

The Sun reported that Manchester Utd officials are looking into the alleged affair, reporting that Ronaldo had sex for hours with the escort girls in his luxury pad.

It seems Ronaldo, with pal Anderson, partied all night long while having sex in jacuzzis and a pool, The Sun reported.

The girls took a series of photos inside the house on mobile phones, one even videoed and snapped Brazilian midfielder Anderson naked apart from a pair of boxer shorts.

The sex binge finally ended around 5am when one of the men told the girls to be quiet as Ronaldo was tired and he had gone to bed, the paper revealed.

God knows what happened when they won the league.

Ron Top 8 in yahoo!!..what the world is searching for...

2007-08-31T13:43:00.000-07:00

It's been two months since we last checked on top celeb image searches, and the men have a new leader. All hail Zac Efron! The teen heartthrob has vaulted from out of nowhere to the top of our list. His star turns in "Hairspray" and "High School Musical 2" have made him our most desirable man.

Daniel Radcliffe followed much the same trajectory. Our #2 guy wasn't on the list last time we looked, but the teen wizard of "Harry Potter" conjured his way back into the good graces of curious searchers. Other than that, there were a couple of minor shuffles and "Pirates" stars Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom walked the plank and fell from the top 10.

As for the ladies, it's more of the same. As much complaining as you do about the tired trainwrecks of celebdom, we're seeing the same familiar faces populating the list. The only notable chick to make her debut in the top 10 is "Hairspray" hottie Amanda Bynes. Here are the full lists...

Light at end of tunnel for United

2007-08-28T14:33:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson is finally starting to see an end to Manchester United's massive injury problems.

Including suspended winger Cristiano Ronaldo, Ferguson was without eight members of his senior squad for Sunday's 1-0 win over Tottenham at Old Trafford.

"We have some excellent players to come back, so we have to be patient," said the United boss.

Some of his absentees, notably Park Ji-sung and Ben Foster, will not be seen again until the new year after major knee surgery, while Wayne Rooney is out for a couple of months after fracturing his foot in the opening game against Reading.

However, Ronaldo has just one more game of his three-match suspension to serve, while both Louis Saha and Anderson should be involved next Saturday when Roy Keane returns to his old stamping ground as manager of Sunderland.

The duo were expected to be part of the squad that faced Spurs but in the end, Ferguson decided they would benefit from an extra week's training.

"Louis Saha and Anderson will be fit for next Saturday's game and Gary Neville will be back in a couple of weeks. We are getting there but it is just going to take a bit of time," Ferguson added.

Fergie waiting for stars to return

2007-08-27T13:30:00.000-07:00

Manchester United's suspended Portuguese player Cristiano Ronaldo, right, takes his seat in the stands before his team's English Premier League soccer match against Tottenham at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday Aug. 26, 2007

Sir Alex Ferguson is expecting Manchester United to move into top gear over the next few weeks as some of his top stars return to action.Including suspended winger Cristiano Ronaldo, Ferguson was without eight members of his senior squad for Sunday's 1-0 win over Tottenham at Old Trafford.

Some of his absentees, notably Park Ji-sung and Ben Foster, will not be seen again until the new year after major knee surgery, while Wayne Rooney is out for a couple of months after fracturing his foot in the opening game against Reading.

However, Ronaldo has just one more game of his three-match suspension to serve, while both Louis Saha and Anderson should be involved next Saturday when Roy Keane returns to his old stamping ground with Sunderland.

The duo were expected to be part of the squad that faced Spurs but in the end, Ferguson decided they would benefit from an extra week's training.

"We have some excellent players to come back, so we have to be patient," said the United boss.

"Louis Saha and Anderson will be fit for next Saturday's game and Gary Neville will be back in a couple of weeks.

"We are getting there but it is just going to take a bit of time."

Real Madrid president had Premiership stars Ronaldo, Drogba lined up

2007-08-26T05:26:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon had Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and Manchester United wing ace Cristiano Ronaldo lined up for summer moves.

DiarioSport says Calderon had intermediaries speak with the agents of both Premiership stars, along with the Milito brothers, Gaby and Diego, Roma winger Amantino Mancini, Valencia striker David Villa and Gabriel Heinze midway through last season.

Calderon was eager to not rush his recruiting campaign for this season and had laid groundwork over six months out from the end of last term. However, everything collapsed as confusion over the status of coach Fabio Capello peaked in February. All contact with potential signings was ended as Calderon was forced to wait to make Bernd Schuster his coach before pressing forward with team rebuilding plans.

Ronaldo and Ronaldinho shine

2007-08-25T13:19:00.000-07:00

Yerevan - An outstanding goal from Cristiano Ronaldo rescued a 1-1 draw for Portugal in their Euro 2008 qualifier against a spirited Armenia on Wednesday.

The Manchester United winger robbed an opponent in the 38th minute and weaved and jinked his way into the penalty area before sliding the ball into the net.

Robert Arzumanyan had given the home team the lead when he headed in a corner in the 10th minute.

The draw kept Portugal in the hunt to qualify from a tight Group A. They remain third with 15 points from eight games, four points behind Poland and two adrift of Finland.

Armenia are out of the running on eight points.

In Montpellier, France - Maicon and Ronaldinho scored second-half goals to give Brazil a 2-0 win over Algeria in a friendly international.

Maicon nodded in a corner kick from Ronaldinho in the 63rd minute, and the Barcelona playmaker doubled the lead in the 81st by tucking home a low shot from Diego that was deflected by goalkeeper Lounes Gaouaoui.

"It's a pleasure to come back in France, have a good game, and help the Selecao," Ronaldinho said.

Brazil dominated ball possession in the first half but failed to convert that into goals.

Maicon connected with Robinho in the sixth, but the Real Madrid forward's curling drive was punched away by Gaouaoui.

The Algeria goalkeeper then denied Elano in the eighth, and blocked an angled shot from Julio Baptista in the 30th.

Mineiro slipped a through ball to Vagner Love in the 34th, but Gaouaoui rushed outside his area to stop the CSKA Moscow striker.

Algeria retaliated on counterattacks.

Competitive in Africa

Set up by Karim Ziani, Rafik Saifi broke the offside trap in the 23rd. But Saifi lost his one-on-one dual against goalkeeper Doni, who tackled the ball as the Lorient forward attempted to dribble past him.

"We played some nice football," Ziani said. "We don't have to be ashamed. ... We have to keep on improving so that we can become competitive in Africa."

Ronaldinho and Kaka came off the bench in the second half to boost Brazil's offense.

Ronaldinho had a curling free kick on target in the 47th, but Gaouaoui made the save. The Barcelona playmaker crossed the ball to Kaka in the 60th but the AC Milan midfielder's volley from the edge of the box was diverted by defender Ismael Bouzid.

Algeria had opportunities to score a consolation goal in the second half but lacked the finishing touch.

Karim Matmour stole the ball in midfield in the 57th to shoot from the edge of the box, but Doni made the save.

Nadir Belhadj's cross from the left flank in the 68th found Saifi in the area but his header went wide.

"We played against a great Brazilian team this evening," Saifi said. "The most important is to qualify for the African Cup tournament."

Algeria takes on Gambia in an African Cup of Nations qualifier on Sept 9.

The Montpellier friendly was Brazil's first match after its victory in the Copa America last July in Venezuela.

Brazil will face the United States on Sept 9 and Mexico on Sept 12 before starting 2010 World Cup qualifying in October.

Ronaldo brilliance rescues point for Portugal in Armenia

2007-08-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

YEREVAN - An outstanding goal from Cristiano Ronaldo rescued a 1-1 draw for Portugal in their Euro 2008 qualifier against a spirited Armenia on Wednesday.

The Manchester United winger robbed an opponent in the 38th minute and weaved and jinked his way into the penalty area before sliding the ball into the net.

Robert Arzumanyan had given the home team the lead when he headed in a corner in the 10th minute.

The draw kept Portugal in the hunt to qualify from a tight Group A. They remain third with 15 points from eight games, four points behind Poland and two adrift of Finland.

Armenia are out of the running on eight points.

Ronaldo's stunner rescues Portugal

2007-08-22T14:46:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo scored an outstanding equalizer to help Portugal draw 1-1 away to Armenia in their Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday.

he Manchester United winger fired in a superb solo effort in the 38th minute after robbing an opponent and jinking his way into the penalty area before sliding the ball into the net.

The 22-year-old is serving a three-match domestic ban after being sent off against Portsmouth.

Hosts Armenia had taken a shock lead when Robert Arzumanyan headed in a corner in the 10th minute.

The result left Portugal in third place in Group A, four points behind Poland and two adrift of Finland - who have both played one more game.

Finland closed the gap on Poland after beating Kazakhstan 2-1 at home, with goals from Alexei Eremenko Jr and Teemu Tainio.

Eremenko Jr netted the opener after 13 minutes, but Dmitriy Byakov leveled for the second-bottom visitors 10 minutes later.

Midfielder Tainio, who has not played for his English club Tottenham since going off in the first game of the Premier League season on August 11, scored the winner just after the hour.

"Tainio played very well. On Saturday he said he was not fit to play, but we persuaded him to come and he scored the winning goal," Finland coach Roy Hodgson said.

Also in Group A, Belgium dented the qualification hopes of fourth-placed Serbia with a 3-2 victory in Brussels.

Moussa Dembele and Kevin Mirallas put the home side 2-0 up after 29 minutes before Zdravko Kuzmanovic pulled a goal back on 73.

Mirallas restored Belgium's two-goal buffer in the 87th minute but Kuzmanovic also grabbed his second 60 seconds later to ensure a tense finish.

Northern Ireland climbed above Spain into second place in Group F as David Healy continued his remarkable scoring run in the 3-1 win over Liechtenstein in manager Nigel Worthington's first match in charge.

The striker, who has netted twice in three games this season for his new club Fulham, took his tally for the qualifying campaign to 11 with two more goals at Windsor Park.

Healy headed the opener from Keith Gillespie's cross in the fifth minute, then smashed home a superb 20-yard effort after taking advantage of a defensive error.

His young strike partner Kyle Lafferty scored his first international goal in the 56th minute, making amends for a glaring first-half miss, while Mario Frick scored a late consolation for the visitors.

Meanwhile, in the battle of the bottom Group E nations, Indrek Zelinksi snatched a last-minute goal to earn nine-man Estonia an ill-tempered 2-1 win at home to Andorra.

Zelinski tapped home in injury-time after a pass by substitute Tarmo Kink - and was then shown a red card for taking his shirt off in celebration.

Estonia opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a header from Raio Piiroja, but Ragnar Klavan was sent off just before halftime for holding a player on the ground.

Andorra took until the 87th minute to take advantage of their extra man, with Fernando Silva heading in the equalizer, and Zelinski's late winner meant they were denied a first point of the campaign.

In Group D, Cyprus condemned San Marino to a seventh successive defeat with Yiannis Okkas scoring the only goal in the 53rd minute in Serravalle.

Ronaldo criticises three-match ban for head butt

2007-08-21T14:06:00.001-07:00

London, Aug 21 (IANS) Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo has described his three-match ban following his sending off in the 1-1 draw at Portsmouth as 'unjust'.

The 22-year-old winger received a red card for aiming a head butt at Portsmouth's Richard Hughes but claimed he was provoked.

'I am frustrated because three matches is unjust. I am willing to resist the provocation - but only up to a limit,' Ronaldo told Tuesday's Daily Mirror.

'That limit was passed at Portsmouth. It was just absurd.'

The Portuguese player's suspension because of the incident in the Aug 15 match kept him out of Sunday's 0-1 derby defeat by local rivals Manchester City.

And he will also miss the home matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland as United aim to recover from their worst start to a Premier League campaign in 15 years.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has offered little sympathy to the winger, saying he only had himself to blame for falling for what he described as the opponents' 'intimidation tactics'.

United are short of options up front as Wayne Rooney is out until October after suffering a hairline fracture of his left foot, while Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are also on the injured list.

Ronaldo critical of 'unjust' ban

2007-08-21T01:35:00.000-07:00

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has described his three-match ban for his sending off in his side's 1-1 draw at Portsmouth as "unjust".

Ronaldo, 22, received a red card for aiming a headbutt at Pompey's Richard Hughes but claimed he was provoked.

"I am frustrated because three matches is unjust. I am willing to resist the provocation - but only up to a limit," Ronaldo told the Daily Mirror.

"That limit was passed at Portsmouth. It was just absurd."

Ronaldo's suspension because of the incident in the match on 15 August kept him out of Sunday's 1-0 defeat by derby rivals Manchester City.

And he will also miss the home matches against Tottenham and Sunderland as United aim to recover from their worst start to a Premier League campaign in 15 years.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has offered little sympathy to the Portugal winger, saying he only had himself to blame for falling for what he described as Pompey's "intimidation tactics".

United are short of options up front as Wayne Rooney is out until October after suffering a hairline fracture of his left foot, while Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are also on the injury list.

Hargreaves: Man Utd missing Ronaldo, Rooney

2007-08-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

Owen Hargreaves admits Manchester United are struggling without their star attacking pair Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.

After making his debut in yesterday's derby defeat, Hargreaves said: "We are missing Ronny and Wazza - they are key players.

"We are going to miss those players at any time but we still had enough on the pitch to win the game.

"We need to score goals. The most important thing is to have those chances.

"We have made them but not utilised them. We could have scored one or two and they are things we have got to work on.

"It is a shame that we only have two points from three matches because in those games we have pretty much dominated possession and could easily have won all three.

"We need to understand that we have played relatively well. We've played all this attractive football but not won games.

"We will get there. But we need to win games. That is the most important thing."

Champions Man Utd beaten by Man City

2007-08-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

London, Aug 19 Manchester United's disappointing start to the season took a turn for the worse Sunday when they were beaten 1-0 by rivals Manchester City, which moved to the top of the English Premier League table.

A goal from Geovanni in 31st minute proved enough to give City their third straight win under Sven Goran Eriksson and take them top on their own, while United have just two points from their opening three games.

United dominated the match for long periods and City were indebted to some robust defending and the woodwork, which kept out a header from Nemanja Vidic.

Vidic also got the slightest of touches to Geovanni's strike that took it past Edwin van der Sar, while Carlos Tevez missed several chances to equalize for the visitors.

Without Ronaldo and Rooney, things look hard .....

Ronaldo should learn not to react: Ferguson

2007-08-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

PORTSMOUTH — Sir Alex Ferguson insisted Cristiano Ronaldo must learn not to react to provocation from inferior players after his senseless dismissal in the champions’ 1-1 draw at Portsmouth.

Ronaldo was sent off for aiming a headbutt at Richard Hughes on Wednesday and faces a three-match ban that will rule him out of United’s derby clash with Manchester City on Sunday, as well as home games against Tottenham and Sunderland.

The Portugal winger was dismissed in the 85th minute by referee Steve Bennett following a melee in the Portsmouth penalty area after Sulley Muntari was sent off for Portsmouth a minute earlier.

United boss Ferguson believes Ronaldo was provoked but claimed he must keep his head rather than trying to headbutt other players.

“He was provoked but you can’t raise your arms at another player,” Ferguson said. “He has got to realise he is better than these other players and not to rise to their bait. He has got to rise above it.

“He got no protection from the referee but that is not to excuse his sending off.

“Steve Bennett has sent him off before as has the linesman and we missed a great opportunity for us to win the game.”

Ronaldo was last sent off two years ago against local rivals City and will be a massive loss to a United team already without injured England striker Wayne Rooney. Harry Redknapp claimed not to have seen the incident but felt his team deserved a draw anyway. Redknapp also reckons his seven million pounds signing Muntari must calm down or he will continue to be sent off.
“Ronaldo is a fantastic player and I’m sure he wouldn’t try to deliberately hurt someone.

Some Pictures HQ's of Cristiano Ronaldo

2007-08-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

Ronaldo protests his innocence

2007-08-19T03:50:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo is adamant he should not be sitting out the Manchester derby after his red card in United's midweek draw with Portsmouth.The Portuguese winger is currently serving a three-match ban following his dismissal for an apparent headbutt on Pompey's Richard Hughes in the Fratton Park clash.

The champions have picked up just two points from their opening two games, and will now be stripped of their star man's talents for the games against City, Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland.

But while Sir Alex Ferguson was quick to condemn any reaction from his players, Ronaldo refused accept the red card he was given was justified.

"The replays show there was nothing," Ronaldo told the Sun.

"But I don't need to look at the pictures, because I know exactly what I did - and that's nothing to justify a red card."

Ronaldo was eager to point out he did not headbutt Hughes in their coming together.

"I was pushed in the area. He came straight to me, put his hand on my neck and I opened my arms in a 'that's enough' way. We pushed each other but nothing serious," he added.

"We leaned heads against each other but that was all. Absolutely nothing else happened.

"When I saw the red card, I couldn't believe it, the situation was so surreal.

"And it's absurd because I'm aware that now I'll sit out a ban for something I didn't do. I feel dejected and very sad."

Ronaldo's Gemma to host TV show

2007-08-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

Model-actress and Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend Gemma Atkinson isn’t looking forward to wearing a ghaghra choli.

She's better known as footballer Cristiano Ronaldo's girlfriend. While the Portuguese footballer had his 15 seconds of Indian fame, now, it's time for model-cum-actress Gemma Atkinson to get a taste of India.

The sexy actress will be coming to India in October and will stay here for two months to host a television show that will feature Indian weddings.

"There is so much more to India than just the poverty that is usually portrayed . The real grandeur of the country comes out in its lavish weddings," says director Vivek Bohra. The show will have Gemma visit weddings taking place in even remote villages, discovering Indian traditions along the way.

Why choose Gemma to host an Indian show? "Gemma's got a certain energy about her, she's open to meeting new people and discovering things. She's a familiar celebrity with both Western and Indian audiences, and that is essential since the show will reach out to people across the world," explains Vivek.

Gemma is excited too. "I've heard and seen a lot about India and its culture, cuisines, fashion and places and now I'm going to be a part of it. It would be a pleasant change to try on a ghaghra choli and a saree , though I'd need some help doing that!" laughs the spunky host-to-be , who will be learning Hindi for the show.

And will her beau, Ronaldo, accompany her? "He might come to visit for a couple of days," says Anil.

Ronaldo Pleads Not Guilty

2007-08-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has declared his innocence after being served a three match ban for head-butting Portsmouth’s Richard Hughes on Wednesday.

The flamboyant Portuguese winger was given a straight red card for the incident, which happened right under the nose of referee Steve Bennett.

At first glances, it looked as if both players were guilty of pushing and shoving, however Bennett deemed it necessary to give him his marching orders.

Hughes has said in the media that the incident was nothing out of the ordinary, and hardly worth being called a head-butt.

Ronaldo agrees that the pair were guilty of a bit of pushing and shoving, but nothing else.

"The replays show there was nothing," Ronaldo told the Sun.

"But I don't need to look at the pictures, because I know exactly what I did - and that's nothing to justify a red card."

"I was pushed in the area. He came straight to me, put his hand on my neck and I opened my arms in a 'that's enough' way. We pushed each other but nothing serious," he added.

"We leaned heads against each other but that was all. Absolutely nothing else happened.

"When I saw the red card, I couldn't believe it, the situation was so surreal.

"And it's absurd because I'm aware that now I'll sit out a ban for something I didn't do. I feel dejected and very sad."

Fergie Blasts Refs Over Cristiano Ronaldo

2007-08-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson fears Cristiano Ronaldo could suffer a serious injury if refs don't punish players for fouling him.

Ronaldo is serving a three-game suspension following his sending off for head-butting Portsmouth midfielder Richard Hughes in midweek.

Though Ferguson had no qualms with Steve Bennett's decision, he is adamant the Manchester United winger was provoked into the act due to the referee's failure to punish earlier incidents.

And the United manager is convinced that last season's Player of the Year could pick up a severe injury, if referees do not clamp down on over-the-top tackles.

"I think that he was falling in the trap of 100 years' experience of football that the perpetrator gets less punishment than the retaliator," said Ferguson at a press conference on Sky Sports News.

"Of course, Cristiano has fallen into that trap again, particularly with that referee as two years ago he got kicked all over the pitch against Man City and was sent off.

"It's a bitter lesson for the lad. I don't know what the directions seems to be, but maybe referees are a bit more tolerant of physical contact and I have noticed this in the last few months, with late challenges that go unpunished.

"Whether they get instructions to allow that, I don't know, but I thought these things are black and white. Late challenges should not be allowed.

"We saw it again on Wednesday night, he was letting it go and it went unpunished time and time again.

"Players like Ronaldo are going to be victims, the fans are going to be victims because it will end up with somebody getting a serious injury.

"It's very difficult to completely punish Ronaldo, or be angry with him in a way, because some of the things that happen to him are not right."

When asked if he thought Ronaldo could suffer a serious injury, he replied: "I think there's every chance of that."

2007-08-17T05:12:00.000-07:00

Ronaldo was sent off for retaliation at Portsmouth on Wednesday.

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) -- Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has called for greater protection from referees to prevent Cristiano Ronaldo from suffering serious injury.

The Portuguese winger was sent off for retaliation at Portsmouth on Wednesday and while Ferguson had no quibbles about the red card, he believes his player was provoked by a series of heavy challenges that went unpunished by referee Steve Bennett.

"My fear is, and I don't whether there is a directive, but maybe referees are a bit more tolerant of the physical contact," Ferguson told reporters on Friday.

"I've noticed this in the last few months -- late challenges are going unpunished. I thought these things were black and white. Late challenges are not allowed.

"We saw it again on Wednesday night, the referee letting it go unpunished time and time again. If you have got weak referees then you are going to be suffering."

Ferguson added: "There is a concern players like Ronaldo are going to be the victims... because it will end up with someone getting a serious injury."

The fiery Scot had every sympathy with Ronaldo, who was dismissed for an apparent headbutt in the closing stages of the 1-1 draw.

"It's very difficult to completely punish Ronaldo or be angry with him," Ferguson said. "Some of the things that are happening to him are not right."

Ronaldo will miss Sunday's derby at Manchester City through suspension and the champions with be further weakened in attack without injured pair Wayne Rooney and Louis Saha.

Ferguson was impressed with Carlos Tevez's debut at Portsmouth and could partner him with Ryan Giggs as United look for their first win of the season.

After opening with two draws they already trail Chelsea and Manchester City, who have taken maximum points under new manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, by four points.

"We are dropping points and that's frustrating because the performance levels were very good," Ferguson added. "The important thing is just to be patient now.

"The players will come right. It's frustrating, but it's recoverable of course."

Ronny fell into Pompey trap

2007-08-16T15:46:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson admits Cristiano Ronaldo fell for Portsmouth's intimidation tactics at Fratton Park after seeing the winger dismissed late on in United's 1-1 draw, but says the Portuguese international has only himself to blame.

Ronaldo was sent off by referee Steve Bennett five minutes from time after a scuffle in the area. Bennett wasted no time in showing Ronaldo a straight red much to Sir Alex's annoyance.

"I've looked at the replay a few times now and there's nothing conclusive - you can't really see anything," he told MUTV. "I believe he was provoked and he fell for it. Steve Bennett sent him off at City [in January 2006] and he will have loved the opportunity to send him off again.

"Cristiano was simply responsible for falling into a trap of intimidation. He was surprised about the decision but really he's only himself to blame. It left us with ten men and now we're going to miss him for three games. It's a big blow."

The United boss urged the 22-year-old winger to have a wider awareness of the approach Portsmouth had taken towards him all evening.

"You get provoked and you have got to have the calmness to just remind yourself you're a better player than these players and that is why they are doing it," he said. "He has fallen into the trap and paid the penalty for it.

"[If you react] you have no recourse. For instance, Paul Scholes last season against Liverpool raised his hands, he didn't touch the player, but he was given three matches for that."

oh hell,I sense a massive hairdryer treatment for Ronaldo

Some Pictures

2007-08-16T02:05:00.000-07:00

Here some pictures of the portuguese footballer...

Man Utd rocked as Ronaldo sees red

2007-08-15T16:53:00.000-07:00

Manchester United have dropped another two points as they were held tonight 1-1 at Portsmouth - with Cristiano Ronaldo seeing red.

Carlos Tevez made his expected debut for United, while highly-rated Portuguese youngster Nani was given a full debut after appearing as a substitute in Sunday's goalless draw against Reading, replacing Frenchman Mikael Silvestre - but there was still no sign of fellow newcomers Owen Hargreaves or Anderson in Sir Alex Ferguson's squad.

Nani and Tevez were both involved in the action when United took a 15th-minute lead through Paul Scholes after a crisp attack.

The Argentinian's final square pass was perfect for the former England star to rifle a 15-yard drive past David James.

After halftime it was only the agility of David James that stopped United bursting 3-0 clear inside a few minutes.

The keeper knocked away Nani's shot with an outstretched leg after Ronaldo's pass set up the winger, then tipped over Tevez's blast after Scholes again made the running.

But it was Pompey who raised the roof with Benjani bagging a dramatic equaliser with a bullet header from Matt Taylor's cross in the 53rd minute.

It was the second goal in five days for the Zimbabwean, who has been criticised for his lack of marksmanship.

In a dramatic finish, Sully Muntari was sent off for what looked like a second bookable offence - a late challenge on Rio Ferdinand - and in the 83rd minute Ronaldo was red-carded for an suspected head-butt on Richard Hughes a minute later.

Other Results:
Birmingham City-Sunderland, 2-2
Fulham-Bolton, 2-1
Manchester City-Derby County, 1-0
Portsmouth-Manchester United, 1-1
Reading-Chelsea, 1-2
Wigan Athletic-Middlesbrough, 1-0

Fergie: Roo and Ron can improve

2007-08-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has told Manchester United's title rivals they have not seen the best of star pair Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.The duo have long been thought of as two of the most promising young talents in the world and scored 23 goals each as United stormed to their ninth Premier League crown.

Ferguson acknowledged they could buck the trend of when players reach their peak but, as his side prepare to begin the defence of their title against Reading on Sunday, he has no hesitation in outlining his belief both players can deliver even more.

"There is no doubt Rooney and Ronaldo can do better," he said.

"As a player, I felt at my strongest when I was 25 and 26, so they have another three years or more before they get anywhere near their peak and maturity.

"At 21, you do daft things on the pitch. You produce moments of ability but there is no consistency. You might score a goal, then miss one.

"Maybe these two defy that a little bit but experience gives you authority, timing and control."

During pre-season both players have shown glimpses of hitting form, with Rooney in particular impressing.

The England star has been on the verge of losing his temper on occasion too, notably in Sunday's Community Shield win over Chelsea when he ranted at what he felt was an unfair booking for a foul on Petr Cech.

Ferguson accepts such tirades are not always desirable but the Scot recognises they are part of Rooney's make up and he is not about to do anything that could diffuse the striker's spark.

"He will always have that," Ferguson added. "Wayne knows when he has done wrong, so when he is unfairly treated he reacts to it.

"You don't want him to do that all the time but at least there is an honesty about what he does."

With Nani and Anderson likely to start on the bench, Louis Saha injured, Alan Smith and Giuseppe Rossi sold and Carlos Tevez yet to complete his switch to Old Trafford, Rooney is likely to be the only orthodox striker in Ferguson's starting line-up this weekend.

Yet, far from getting frustrated at the continued delay over Tevez's arrival, the United manager is happy for the Premier League to scrutinise every aspect of the deal.

And, having watched the Argentina forward in training this week, Ferguson is convinced the 23-year-old is fit enough to feature against Manchester City on August 19 providing the relevant paperwork has been completed.

"Carlos has surprised us," he admitted. "We thought he would need more training but he looks in great shape.

"I am happy with what the Premier League are doing because eventually we will get a player in the right circumstances, with everything clarified and cleared by the appropriate authorities.

"It is a difficult situation to assess because a derby game can be frenetic. Once we know he can play, we can make a decision quite easily."

Rooney & Ronaldo 'guide new boys'

2007-08-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo are the perfect role models for the club's new signings.

The duo have developed from raw talents into top-class internationals at United, who signed promising duo Nani and Anderson this summer.

"There is no better place to learn your trade," Solskjaer told BBC Sport.

"They've been given a good opportunity but the club has great players to develop into very exciting talents."

Portuguese winger Nani, 20, and Brazil's 19-year-old midfielder Anderson have been joined by Argentine forward Carlos Tevez, 23, from West Ham, while more experienced midfielder Owen Hargreaves, 26, also arrived during the summer - from Bayern Munich.

Solskjaer has been at United since July 1996 and has seen plenty of players come and go at the club.

He added: "The ones we have signed are young players and are going to need time to settle in.

"But the way we have nurtured Wayne and Cristiano is an example.

"They came very young and as really talented players but the gaffer Sir Alex Ferguson has made them into top world players and that is what you get by being at Manchester United.

"You get the challenge every day in training. They have to have that desire to improve all the time and the way Wayne and Cristiano have developed has been a joy to watch."

United would prefer Nani to give up his somersault celebration but that did not stop the player doing so after his goal in the friendly at Glentoran on Wednesday.

He has looked dangerous in pre-season, while Anderson was in the Brazil squad that beat Argentina to win the Copa America.

Solskjaer says the pair, along with Hargreaves, have settled in quickly at Old Trafford.

"It's always going to take time but they have settled really well," he stated at the launch of the Premier League Creating Chances community-based project.

"In the dressing room they have been great," he added. "They are good lads to be around and a great laugh.

"Now it's down to the nitty-gritty of the Premiership and I think they are going to enjoy this season."

Portsmouth v Manchester United: Tevez ready to go

2007-08-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

Carlos Tevez will make his Manchester United debut at Fratton Park as the Barclays Premier League champions look to kickstart their campaign with a win at Portsmouth.

Wayne Rooney (fractured foot) is out for two months and with neither Ole Gunnar Solskjaer nor Louis Saha likely to start after only returning to training last week following long-term injuries, Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo will be asked to provide striking support to the Argentina forward.

Nani may have to be content with a place on the bench and while Owen Hargreaves might hope to be involved, fellow new arrival Anderson may have to wait for his first taste of competitive action.

Mikael Silvestre is a major doubt after limping out of the Reading draw.

Cristiano Ronald i can assure you that will score on this game, i'm sure!

Anderson reveals Cristiano Ronaldo influence

2007-08-14T04:27:00.000-07:00

Anderson has revealed that good friend Cristiano Ronaldo played a big part in his decision to join the Reds.

The 19-year-old Brazilian completed his switch from FC Porto to United last month and was finally unveiled to the world's press on Monday afternoon.

Anderson spoke to Ronaldo before making his move to Manchester and insists it is a "dream come true" to be playing his football at Old Trafford.

"I’m good friends with Cristiano and he told me about the club and what a great place it is," Anderson told ManUtd.com. "Joining United is a dream come true for any footballer in the world. I’m really excited to be here and hope I can do well.

"I heard about it [United's interest] some time ago through my agent but we thought it would be better for me to wait a little bit longer.

"I was doing well at Porto at the time and I knew that joining a club like United - one of the biggest clubs in the world with one of the best followings in the world – would bring its own pressure.

"But when they expressed an interest in me again in the summer I felt it was the right time and I was really excited to have the opportunity to play for such a great club.

"I can’t wait to play my first game at Old Trafford," he added. "It will be amazing, not just for me but for my family as well.

"As a young boy it was always my dream to play for a big European club. I was lucky enough to do it with FC Porto and now I’m at United. I feel proud to be here and I want to do my best."

Anderson's attacking flair and ability has drawn comparisons with international team-mate Ronaldinho. The United midfielder is flattered by the claims but insists he has a long way to go before he can be held in as high regard as Barcelona's buck-toothed wonder.

"I feel very proud by those comparisons but you have to remember that Ronaldinho is an established top class footballer who has been named the best player in the world twice," he exlains.

"He’s a great guy and a good friend of mine, but no two players are the same – Ronaldinho is Ronaldinho and Anderson is Anderson. It’s an honour to play alongside him, it’s something every footballer in the world would like to do. He’s a great player and I hope one day I can reach the level he is at now."

Cristiano Ronaldo in the pool...

2007-08-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

Ronaldo predicts stronger Reds

2007-08-13T13:12:00.000-07:00

CRISTIANO Ronaldo has warned Chelsea that the United side defending their Premier League crown will be stronger than the team that won it.

The Portuguese winger believes that the Reds and the Londoners still have room to step up the pace before both kick off their league campaigns on Sunday.

And he expects nothing less than a full-blooded response from Jose Mourinho's side as they bid to wrestle the Premier League crown from United's grasp.

But Ronaldo is genuinely excited at the array of talent lining up at Old Trafford ahead of the new campaign, with Carlos Tevez set to join Nani, Owen Hargreaves and Anderson in a fearsome squad.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has spent more than £50m strengthening his midfield and attack, with the aim of adding further flair to the skill which brought Ronaldo so many plaudits last season.

Confident

And that is why the 22-year-old winger insists that the Reds do have the quality to retain the title and make another serious bid for European glory.

Ronaldo said: "We're very confident. We have a great chance this year.

"It is always difficult to win the Premier League, but this team is a stronger one than last year. The manager has brought in stronger players. It's great for us.

"I'm very excited about Tevez; he's a great player."

Despite some big spending by Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, United still see Chelsea as the main threat to their league ambitions this season.

Both sides start with home games they would expect to win - United host Reading and Chelsea play newly-promoted Birmingham.

"It's always difficult to play against Chelsea," Ronaldo said. "We were very pleased to beat them.

"I don't think either team is at 100 per cent yet, but in a week's time I expect both to be fully ready for the Premier League."

Ron sells his house??!!

2007-08-12T13:21:00.000-07:00

see....for yourself......

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/viewdetails-15645823.rsp?pa_n=3&tr_t=buy

Manchester United (0) vsReading (0) FT

2007-08-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

What a difference a year makes. On the opening day of last season, Manchester United, fancied as only potential runners-up, thrashed Fulham 5-1 at Old Trafford in the Premiership.

Twelve months on, in the newly named Premier League, United, this time strongly tipped to retain their champion's crown - were held to a goalless draw at Reading.

Despite spending over £50million in the summer on four new signings, only one - Nani - figured in the game.

But his appearance at the start of the second half came at a price when he replaced the injured Wayne Rooney.

Rooney failed to appear after the break after suffering a 36th minute injury when he was tackled by Michael Duberry as he drove over a cross from Michael Carrick.

The England star was immediately sent for a scan on his injured foot but the results are not yet known.

With Rooney joining Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on the injured list and new boy Carlos Tevez still short of match-fitness, United's attacking options at Portsmouth on Wednesday look limited.

Reading came to Old Trafford to stop United playing and achieved their limited ambition to take a point.

With only Kevin Doyle in attack until the 72nd minute when he went off, they managed only one real chance - a weak 25-yard shot by Stephen Hunt nine minutes from time.

They were also down to ten men 37 seconds after substitute Dave Kitson replaced Doyle when the Reading striker went right through Patrice Evra with a terrible tackle which earned a straight red card from referee Rob Styles.

United created numerous chances, but found Reading goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann in magnificent form.

The American keeper was beaten only once when, in the 23rd minute, Cristiano Ronaldo's wizardry bamboozled Hunt before the Portuguese star provided a glorious cross to find Ryan Giggs free on the left byline.

As Hahnemann covered his post, Giggs lashed his shot from six yards against the woodwork and wide.

After that, Hahnemann was in unbelievable form with a string of saves which left United totally frustrated.

The first came in the 63rd minute when Carrick's excellent pass found substitute John O'Shea free in the Reading penalty area but Hahnemann blocked his 12-yard effort at point-blank range.

Hahnemann went on to defy United again and again, hurling himself across goal to keep out efforts from Ronaldo and Carrick.

United piled everyone forward in a dramatic finale, but a Hahnemann inspired Reading held on as Old Trafford witnessed its first goalless draw in 16 months.

After the match United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "It just wasn't our day.

"We broke them down alright, had some good chances and some good movement.

"In the second half, chances started to come. We had some good chances and we just didn't take them.

"Credit to them, they battled, they wanted a result and they got one. I can understand anyone coming here and doing that."

Royals boss Steve Coppell said: "Marcus (Hahnemann) has come on a storm.

"I must admit that when he reported back for training I thought there was no way he could even get into contention.

"But he's shown he can play and the injury is not an issue. The confidence will grow with each game."

Manchester United: Cristiano Ronaldo, Patrice Evra, Wayne Rooney (Luis Carlos Nani 45), Edwin van der Sar, Michael Carrick, Nemanja Vidic, Mikael Silvestre (John O'Shea 57), Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Wes Brown (Darren Fletcher 77), Rio Ferdinand

Subs not used: Gerard Pique, Tomasz Kuszczak

Reading: Brynjar Gunnarsson, Michael Duberry, Kevin Doyle (David Kitson 72), Ki-Hyeon Seol (John Oster 57), Ivar Ingimarsson, Marcus Hahnemann, Stephen Hunt (Andre Bikey 87), Ulises De La Cruz, Nicholas Shorey, Graeme Murty, James Harper

Subs not used: Adam Federici, Kalifa Cisse

Booked: Ki-Hyeon Seol 22

Sent off: David Kitson 73

Attendance: 75655

Carlos Tevez

Cris's mom's surgery interview (SORRY IF POSTED)

2007-08-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

LUX MAGAZINE INTERVIEW

How long you have been living in Porto?

Dolores Santos-Im in Porto since July 19th,when I started the treatment.I had a surgery in Madeira,to remove a lump and the doctor told me to do radiotherapy.It was my sons manager that got me an apartment.

Your alone?

Dolores S.-I'm with my daughter-in-law and with my granddaughter.Ive never felt alone.My daughter,who lives in Lisbon,comes to see me too.

How have the radiotherapy sessions been?

Dolores Santos-They are going really well.I have not felt bad.I thought it was going to be worse,more painful.Things about it were going through my mind,but it was not how I thought it was going to be.

In what does the treatment consist?

Dolores Santos-The treatment is a laser machine that goes through the zone where I got the problem.

How did you react when you knew that you were going to have a surgery?

Dolores Santos-I got so scared.But thank God I'm ok and thats all that matters.

How did you find the lump?

Dolores Santos-In March,I was with Cristiano in Manchester,at the swimming pool.I put my hand on my breast and I found out that I had a litle lump.He was by my side and I showed to him.He wanted to take me to an english doctor,but I said that I prefered to go to Madeira.When the championship finished,I went to the doctor.The doctor told me that I had to have a surgery to remove the lump.

Cristiano got scared?

Dolores Santos-On that time,no, because the doctor had a conversation with him and said that the problem wasnt serious.I got more worried,but he tried to give me strength and I got better.

He can't watch the whole process.That makes him so worried?

Dolores Santos-He can't be here with me,but I make him calm cause I tell him the truth,that I do feel good.Cristiano calls me eveyday,its not just when im sick.The doctor already told him that I'm ok and I told him to not be worried,that everything is gonna be allright.He(the doctor)says that i'm gonna die when I get 90 years old.He gives a lot of hope.

Now,when are you gonna be able to see him?

Dolores Santos-I'm gonna travel to England,one of these weekends.And then I comeback to do more treatments and in Setember I'm gonna travel to London,but just for a few days because I want to go to Madeira to take the rest of my driving lessons as soon as possible.

He has been a good son...

Dolores Santos-He's becoming more and more a better son.He's a very good friend of mine.He got a house in Madeira,that's gonna be finished this month.

After 6 weeks of treatment,you have to do other treatments?

Dolores Santos-No.I have to be carefull about going to the doctor from time to time.They never talked about taking my breast away...I feel very well
The doctor tells me that i'm the most joyfull person of the clinic!Now i'm not scared at all.I'm confortable.

Ronaldo backed to boost duo

2007-08-11T01:20:00.000-07:00

John O'Shea feels Cristiano Ronaldo can have a big impact off the pitch for Manchester United by helping Nani and Anderson to settle in.

After scooping virtually all the Player of the Year awards on offer last term, Ronaldo is clearly a danger man for the Premier League champions.

However, the 22-year-old has been handed another important role by the Red Devils this summer; unofficial chaperone to fellow Portuguese speakers Nani and Anderson.

Everyone connected with the Red Devils expects the pair to take some time to settle, even though they are a major part of Sir Alex Ferguson's summer transfer dealings.

But O'Shea believes Ronaldo's presence can make the transition much smoother.

"You are talking about a new language, a new area, new friends and new team-mates," said the Republic of Ireland defender.

"It is bound to take a while to adjust.

"You saw that with Ronaldo himself a few years ago. He made a good start at United but just look at the type of player he is now.

"Because of that experience and the fact he is from Portugal, I think having Cristiano around is going to be a massive help in Nani and Anderson settling in."

With Owen Hargreaves not yet fully recovered from the tendinitis problem which has plagued him throughout pre-season, O'Shea is set to find himself in the midfield holding role as United open their title defence against Reading on Sunday.

There may have been a sense of relief during the summer after the Red Devils ended their four-year title drought. But there is no way Ferguson will allow complacency to creep in.

And, after making a rapid start 12 months ago to burn off all their challengers, O'Shea knows what the secret of success this season is going to be.

"To retain our title we need to get off to a positive start," he said.

"That is what we did last year. Hopefully, we can do it again."

Ferguson's major selection dilemma appears to centre around either giving Nani a start or trusting the ability of Paul Scholes, who came through a full 90-minute work-out at Dunfermline on Wednesday, his first outing since returning from the Far East for a minor knee operation.

Either way, United will be expected to collect maximum points as they look to repel the threat of major rivals Chelsea, plus big-spending Liverpool and a few others O'Shea thinks turn out to be contenders.

"The challenge will not just come from Chelsea," he said.

"We have seen the way other teams have strengthened their squads, so I expect there will be four or five challengers.

"The competition will be intense, so we know we must perform."

Queiroz allays Ronaldo injury fears

2007-08-09T13:41:00.000-07:00

Ashley Cole and Cristiano Ronaldo (right) battle for the ball during the Community Shield

Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo's absence from the side which faced Glentoran in Belfast was purely precautionary.

The winger took a knock on the ankle during Sunday's Community Shield win over Chelsea.

NOT RONALDO, NOT ROONEY

2007-08-09T00:29:00.000-07:00

THERE'S been so much talk of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Nani and Carlos Tevez.

But Manchester United's key player could turn out to be manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Rio Ferdinand feels Fergie's experience of handling big squads will give the team an advantage in the Premier League title race.

The Red Devils open the defence of their crown against Reading at Old Trafford on Sunday.

On the evidence of last Sunday's Community Shield encounter, Chelsea will provide their usual stern challenge, while Arsenal have been impressive in pre-season despite the loss of Thierry Henry.

Many pundits are also tipping Liverpool for their most robust assault on the title since they last won it in 1990.

Rafael Benitez has certainly invested heavily this summer, bringing in a host of star names.

Tottenham, Newcastle, West Ham, Portsmouth and Manchester City have also been particularly active in the transfer market.

Yet Ferdinand believes it will be Christmas at the earliest before it will be possible to judge exactly who has bought well.

'Any year is going to be hard to win the league,' he said.

'The fact other teams have spent a lot of money poses different questions but it also raises questions about them. Will they gel?

'Will they become better teams? Will their managers be able to cope with having so many players in the squad? Will he be able to juggle?

'It is all ifs and buts. We will see when Christmas comes how the teams have dealt with their respective acquisitions and how they are going.

'The one thing I do know is that our manager is very experienced in that capacity, so that will give us the step in front we want.'

Ferguson is certainly experienced in dealing with troublesome players, Eric Cantona being a good example.

While there's no doubting Fergie is a force to reckon with, winger Ryan Giggs believes the team has another ace up its sleeve.

While the Red Devils will begin their title defence with an outrageous array of attacking options, Giggs feels it will be the strength of their defence that will determine whether they retain their crown.

Said Giggs, a veteran of all nine United title wins in the Premier League era: 'We do have plenty of attacking flair. We have at least four or five players who can change a game and take people on. That is what Manchester United are all about.

'But you cannot lose sight of the fact defences win you championships and that is what happened last year.

PLATFORM

'The defenders provide the platform for attacking players to produce the skills they have. We must defend well and be solid as a team.'

Indeed, Giggs is now operating in the shadow of Ronaldo and Rooney. But he does not intend spending too long in the back seat.

While Ferguson is likely to limit Giggs' appearances to an extent where he is not expected to reach Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time appearance record of 759 - Giggs is now 42 adrift - until the 2008-09 campaign, the Welshman still has a big part to play.

'I hope I have something to offer,' he said.

'We have a good mixture of youth and experience.

'There is plenty of potential here but we also have the likes of myself, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Edwin van der Sar who have been there and done it.

'We have improved and strengthened, which was probably necessary because the injuries we suffered last season left us a bit bare.

'Hopefully that won't happen again.'

Giggs accepts the standard in the Premier League is rising year by year.

Yet the Welshman is confident United can retain their trophy, especially now that Tevez is about to be unleashed.

Said Giggs: 'The quality in the Premier League is going up all the time.

'There are not many games you can even afford to draw now, so it is crucial we get off to a good start.

'The history of the last four or five years suggests if a side got off to a good start and then stayed consistent throughout the rest of the season, it has been very difficult to catch them.'

Drogba is better than Ronaldo -Essien

2007-08-08T00:31:00.000-07:00

Michael Essien rates Chelsea teammate Didier Drogba as a far better player than Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.

He said: I would make us favourites for the title ahead of United. Last season they depended a lot on Ronaldo, who was sensational.

But I don't know how he will play this season because runs of good form don't go on forever.

I would always pick Drogba over Ronaldo - he is a good player but he does not score as many goals.

Essien also said, he managed to convince Didier Drogba stay at Chelsea this season.

â€œDrogba is a key player for Chelsea and we need him. But I didnâ€™t think he would leave. He was the Premiership leading scorer and it would have been a big mistake for the club to let him go.

There is no one who could replace him who is in the market at the moment. Didi is a great footballer and he understands what his role is at Chelsea.

He can't complain about the way Mourinho or the club treat him be cause he is one of the stars of the team and we all have to be treated the same.

I would have bet anything that Drogba continued with us. He's not going to find a better club in Italy or in Spain and he knows it.

This pre-season he has looked more involved and committed than ever, both in training and games.

He has the same motivation and fighting spirit as last season.

Rijkaard Subtle On Cristiano Ronaldo Rumours

2007-08-06T02:09:00.000-07:00

Frank Rijkaard has said he is not looking at Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo "at the moment." He then opened the window just a little further by suggesting that Barca might be keeping an eye on him.

Reports earlier this week have suggested that Barcelona are looking to use Manchester United's interest in Xavi as an opportunity to register their own interest in Cristiano Ronaldo.

The rumours received their first official response yesterday, when Rijkaard denied the reports, but only in as much as not having spoken about him with anyone at the club.

"He's a great player," said the Dutchman. "However, it's a rumour because I've never spoken of him."

"With respect to Barça, the club is always looking for new talent, as we are always looking to make improvements," he continued, suggesting that the club might just be keeping tabs on the Portuguese international.

"There's still half a season to play for, and I don't know what could happen, but for the moment, it's not something I'm thinking about."

Rijkaard is said to want to replace Ludovic Giuly with a quality winger ahead of next season, despite the Frenchman having another year left on his contract. While he values Xavi, his problem of plenty in midfield, and Lampard's rumoured arrival, could together convince him to give the nod.

Figo: Boos made Man Utd's Ronaldo world class

2007-08-05T14:28:00.000-07:00

Luis Figo believes the boos Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo received around England at the start of last season made him a better player.

Figo insists no sportsman has ever had to face the kind of hatred he suffered when he returned to Barcelona's Nou Camp after a £37million move to arch-rivals Real Madrid in 2000.

But Figo reckons Ronaldo travelled a similar path last season, starting out the campaign as the reviled World Cup winker and ending it as the Premier League's outstanding player.

Ronaldo faces Chelsea in tomorrow's Community Shield with praise ringing out from the player he once idolised and then replaced in the Portugal team.

Figo, now with Italian champions Inter Milan, told The Sun: "I think what happened to me in the Nou Camp was a bit worse than what Ronaldo went through.

"In fact, I don't think any athlete in the world has ever had to cope with an atmosphere like I did that night.

"But if you can focus on your job and do well when you go through things like that, it is a good experience and it makes you more strong.

"What happened at Barcelona made me stronger.

"It was a very, very hard year for me when I moved to Real Madrid, not just because of that game but all the changes I made in my life.

"But, at the end, I was very satisfied because Real won the league and I think I was a much better player because of everything I went through.

"It was the same for Cristiano here last season.

"Ronaldo just concentrated on his football. It's hard to play when the crowd is against you but if you concentrate on your work and you have the quality you can succeed."

Figo, 34, also believes Ronaldo has benefited from cutting down on the diving antics which so often marred his displays of dazzling dribbling and full-back tormenting.

He said: "It's normal that Ronaldo has learned and improved.

"Not going down so much was one of the things Cristiano had to improve to make him a better player. He has done that."

Sir Alex is like my mum ...

2007-08-03T04:06:00.000-07:00

COMMUNITY SHIELD:CHELSEA v MAN UTD, WEMBLEY, SUNDAY 3PM

He may be regarded as the best player in the world, but Cristiano Ronaldo admits Sir Alex Ferguson makes sure he does not step out of line.

In fact, Fergie rules Manchester United with such an iron fist, it reminds the winger of his early days at home in Portugal.

"He's like my mother or my father, he gives me limits and targets," said the 22-year-old. "But he's fair. The work I've done with Sir Alex has been very helpful. I speak almost every day with him. He knows how to create a good atmosphere."
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Ronaldo gave a rare insight into his relationship with the Old Trafford manager, acknowledging the debt of gratitude he owes for Fergie helping to turn him into such a formidable player.

He scooped all the Player of the Year awards last season for his inspired role in helping United to a ninth Premiership title, but confessed he can still incur Fergie's wrath when the veteran boss is on the warpath.

"Sometimes he shakes me, he shouts at me, it's normal," said Ronaldo. "At half-time during games, he has shouted at me a few times, but always to improve me. People say he's mellowed, but he can still get angry - believe me!

"Before every game the manager tells me 'Cristiano, enjoy yourself, use your skills'. I listen to that. I like dribbling, it's my style. But I've never taken the mickey out of my opponents. I respect them.

"At the highest level, if you don't respect your opponents, you won't get a touch. Every dribble asks for a lot of concentration, it's very demanding, against anyone."

Despite all his individual awards last term, it is clear the Premiership title - United's first in four seasons - meant the most.

By the same token, United's agonising defeats to AC Milan in the semi-final of the Champions League and Chelsea in the FA Cup Final are the enduring memories that will drive on Ronaldo in pursuit of more honours this season.

"Last season I was voted Player of the Year by the players, the journalists and the supporters," said Ronaldo in Zoo magazine.

"You don't get that kind of unanimity without having a great season. It was a reward for all my hard work and means I reached my targets.

"But an individual trophy will never be as strong as one you share with your team-mates, even though it remains a great joy. I am proud of what I did."

Despite the heroics which turned Ronaldo from Public Enemy No.1 following his World Cup spat with Wayne Rooney, into the Premiership's star attraction, there are still those who remain unconvinced by the Portugal international.

He polarises opinion like no other player. There are those who continue to brand him a diver, those who feel he goes to ground too easily and those who claim he only turns on the style against lesser opponents and has not proved himself a big-game player.

They are charges Ronaldo rejects. "Last season, I had great games against Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in the league," he said. "I was good against Roma in the Champions League. There was a lot at stake in those games. I think I've shown I can be good in important games. The only ones who really matter to me are the United fans. If the opposition supporters respect me, that's all good. But if they hate me? Fair enough, I accept it.

"I know that during certain games I do too much. But I can't deny myself. This is my way of playing football, I take risks, I dribble, I shoot.

"With the replays, people can make their own opinion. But I don't cheat. I don't do that. Some people don't like me and have a bad opinion of me, but what can I do?

"During last season's derby against Manchester City, a player stamped on me. The supporters booed me and said I had simulated. I don't care. I do my work. People have their own opinion of me, I can't do anything about it."

Despite his elevation to A-list celebrity status, confirmation of which came when he was mobbed by adoring fans everywhere he went on United's pre-season tour of the Far East, Ronaldo insists nothing will be allowed to affect his love of the game.

"Football is my life," he said. "When I was a kid, I only dreamt about it, to play in big stadiums, to be a professional and to win titles. This is the life I have always dreamt about, so how can I be sad?

"Sometimes you get upset by missed chances and defeats. I can be angry on the pitch, but never sad. I enjoy myself with a ball. I don't ever recall a game when I didn't have fun. It's never happened to me."

Cristiano Ronaldo: Fergie scares me...

2007-08-03T04:03:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he is still scared of Sir Alex Ferguson and claimed the Manchester United boss shakes him and shouts at him when he feels his star player is underperforming.

Ronaldo scooped all the Player of the Year awards last season after helping inspire United to a ninth Premiership crown.

But the 22-year-old winger admitted Fergie can still strike fear into him with his infamous hairdryer treatment.
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"Sometimes he shakes me and he shouts at me," revealed Ronaldo.

"It's normal. He's like my mother or my father, he gives me limits and targets. But he is fair.

"At half-time during games, he has shouted at me a few times, but always to improve me. People say he's mellowed, but he can still get angry - believe me!

"But the work I have done with Sir Alex has been very helpful. I speak almost every day with him. He knows how to create a good atmosphere.

"Before every game the manager tells me 'Cristiano, enjoy yourself, use your skills'. I listen to that. I like dribbling - it's my style.

"But I have never taken the mickey out of my opponents. I respect them.

"At the highest level, if you don't respect your opponents, you won't get a touch. Every dribble asks for a lot of concentration, it's very demanding, against anyone."

Ferguson has left the door open for Giuseppe Rossi to return to Manchester United by insisting on a buy-back clause as part of his switch to Villarreal.

Rossi had a medical at the Spanish club yesterday after United agreed a deal worth up to £4m.

The 20-year-old striker had a successful spell on loan at Parma last term, scoring nine goals in 19 games to save the club from relegation.

Fergie said: "Giuseppe will do well for Villarreal, but we have a clause whereby he can come back to us, so we have covered ourselves in that way.

"It was a very difficult decision to let him go, but when players go out on loan, they come back wanting regular first-team football."

Man Utd's Ronaldo: I don't freeze in big games

2007-08-02T14:48:00.000-07:00

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has rubbished claims he fails on a big stage.

"Last season, I had great games against Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in the league," he told ZOO Magazine. "I was good against Roma in the Champions League. There was a lot at stake in those games. I think I've shown I can be good in important games. The only ones who really matter to me are the United fans. If the opposition supporters respect me, that's all good. But if they hate me? Fair enough, I accept it.

"I know that during certain games I do too much. But I can't deny myself. This is my way of playing football, I take risks, I dribble, I shoot.

"With the replays, people can make their own opinion. But I don't cheat. I don't do that. Some people don't like me and have a bad opinion of me, but what can I do?

"During last season's derby against Manchester City, a player stamped on me. The supporters booed me and said I had simulated. I don't care. I do my work. People have their own opinion of me, I can't do anything about it."

Despite his elevation to A-list celebrity status, confirmation of which came when he was mobbed by adoring fans everywhere he went on United's pre-season tour of the Far East, Ronaldo insists nothing will be allowed to affect his love of the game.

"Football is my life," he said. "When I was a kid, I only dreamt about it, to play in big stadiums, to be a professional and to win titles. This is the life I have always dreamt about, so how can I be sad?

"Sometimes you get upset by missed chances and defeats. I can be angry on the pitch, but never sad. I enjoy myself with a ball. I don't ever recall a game when I didn't have fun. It's never happened to me."

Chivu: Ronaldo's Man Utd favourites for Champions League

2007-08-01T15:15:00.000-07:00

New Inter Milan defender Cristian Chivu rates tonight's friendly opponents Manchester United as favourites for this season's Champions League.

Chivu was part of the Roma team that was destroyed 7-1 by United last term and he said: "We face the champions of England, who are also among the favourites for the Champions League.

"They are now stronger after making important buys.

"Cristiano Ronaldo? I say their strength is their team and that there are other players of great value, he is the best and destined to improve in the coming years.

"The 7-1 with Roma? I have already said then and repeat now, I do not want to ever speak about that. It was a far too ugly an experience."

Cristiano Ronaldo pivotal to United’s title defence

2007-07-31T16:18:00.000-07:00

MANCHESTER, England: Cristiano Ronaldo could have gone in one of two directions at Manchester United last season.

Derided and despised by English supporters for his part in the World Cup sending off of United team-mate Wayne Rooney during Portugal’s quarter-final penalty shoot-out victory in Gelsenkirchen, Ronaldo could quite easily have packed his bags and jetted off to Real Madrid or Barcelona, the two Spanish giants who desperately fought for his signature.

The persuasive powers of United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who jetted out to Portugal to convince Ronaldo to stay at Old Trafford, were enough to keep the Madeira-born forward in the Premiership.

And Ferguson’s mercy dash proved crucial with Ronaldo scooping both domestic Footballer of the Year awards last season as he inspired United to their first Premiership title since 2003.

This time around, United start the campaign as favourites to retain their title having splashed out more than 50million pounds on new signings Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson.

But even if United add to that shopping list by landing West Ham’s Carlos Tevez before the August 31 transfer deadline, Ronaldo is certain to be
the key man again.

His goalscoring feats last season, when he bagged over 20 goals from a wide position, proved crucial for United and he has already displayed matchwinning form on the club’s pre-season tour of the Far East.

Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes will all be major figures again, but even Ronaldo’s United team-mates acknowledge that the 22-year-old has become their pivotal player.

Defender Wes Brown said: “Ronaldo is looking sharp again and he can get even better. Mentally, he has got it and he’s the sort of player who always wants to do
better the next season.

“I know he’s young, but in the first few games of pre-season, he has shown he is ready and firing for the new season. He’s a very hungry player and he wants to win things.

“He knows that last season was a great achievement for us to win the League back but he wants more and I’m sure he wants to win other things like the FA Cup and the Champions League, so he will definitely be trying his hardest again this season.”
United launch the defence of their title when they face Reading at Old Trafford on August 12 and manager Ferguson admits he expects the toughest challengers to be the usual suspects - Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.

He said: “I expect Arsenal to improve and I don’t think they’ll suffer too much without Thierry Henry. His time had gone and I think Arsene Wenger knew that. They need more goals, but they’ve got Emmanuel Adebayor and they’ll have Robin van Persie back, so they’re not too bad, are they?”

“Liverpool have bought a group of players, right enough. Fernando Torres is athletic and he’s brave and he’ll run the channels for them, which he did well for Atletico Madrid. Chelsea have strengthened too, so it will be a tough league again.”

Man Utd's Ronaldo on brink of global domination

2007-07-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is fast-emerging as the world's most marketable player.

Ronaldo, who boasts David Beckham's old No7 jersey, is set to overtake the LA Galaxy star on the table of global popularity.

The 22-year-old's management company, Gestifute, has secured lucrative endorsement contracts with Nike, Coca-Cola and Espirito Santo, a Portuguese bank, in recent years and is understood to be weighing up offers from a number of other companies, all desperate for an association with a player who has inherited far more from Beckham than just the iconic No7 shirt at Old Trafford.

"Now that he's approaching a peak in his career, he will probably start to sign some much bigger deals, as Beckham did," Paul Whitehead, of the Sport Markt consultancy, said yesterday. "Ronaldinho earns approximately �10 million per annum from commercial deals. Ronaldo isn't at that stage yet, but I'm sure it's only a matter of time. With his popularity soaring in the Asian market, he is perfectly equipped to take over the mantle of Beckham."

Ronaldo's image makes him a perfect role model, according to another sport marketing expert.

"When you look at the names who have been at the top of football for the past few years, Beckham and Ronaldo [the Brazilian variety] are moving out of the equation because of their age and Ronaldinho didn't have a great season last year," Dr Simon Chadwick, of the Birkbeck Sports Business Centre, told The Times. "Nor is Ronaldinho a particularly handsome or photogenic guy.

"So we're left with the young guns, people like Rooney, Ronaldo, Franck Ribery [the Bayern Munich and France forward] and Fernando Torres [Liverpool's new striker]. Of those players, Ronaldo is the one who you would say ticks all the boxes. As a global sports personality, he's perfect. He's a fantastic player, successful and good-looking. He also has a kind of cockiness. One of the problems with some sportsmen as brands is that they don't have a lively personality. But he has that. He's got everything."

Ronaldo is the new Beckham

2007-07-30T01:40:00.000-07:00

RETURNING TO ENGLAND AS public enemy No 1 after last summer’s World Cup finals, Cristiano Ronaldo was followed at every turn by two security guards, such were the fears for his safety. He had similar attention throughout Manchester United’s preseason tour to Asia, but this time his would-be assailants were awestruck youths, male or female, all desperate to get up close and personal with football’s latest global icon.

Some got a little too close in Guangzhou last Friday, as an open training session was cut short when the Olympic Stadium pitch was invaded by at least 700 fanatical United supporters. The young Chinese fans rushed the barriers in the hope of an autograph from Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs or even Chris Eagles, but the signature they all wanted was that of Ronaldo.

Now it seems that the same applies to leading companies all over the world. The 22-year-old’s management company, Gestifute, has secured lucrative endorsement contracts with Nike, Coca-Cola and Espirito Santo, a Portuguese bank, in recent years and is understood to be weighing up offers from a number of other companies, all desperate for an association with a player who has inherited far more from David Beckham than just the iconic No 7 shirt at Old Trafford.

A surge in his commercial value was already expected after his spectacular performances for United last season, but the impact he made in Asia is likely to have heightened the global appeal of the Ronaldo brand. “Now that he’s approaching a peak in his career, he will probably start to sign some much bigger deals, as Beckham did,” Paul Whitehead, of the Sport+Markt consultancy, said yesterday. “Ronaldinho earns approximately £10 million per annum from commercial deals. Ronaldo isn’t at that stage yet, but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time. With his popularity soaring in the Asian market, he is perfectly equipped to take over the mantle of Beckham.”

That statement will not be welcomed by Sir Alex Ferguson, whose relationship with Beckham deteriorated as the player’s celebrity grew. But United’s view is that, in Ronaldo and Rooney, they have two players who will be at the top of the game’s Alist — both as players and as icons — for the next decade.

Ronaldo is squeaky clean. When an Asian newspaper yesterday accused several of his United teammates of rowdiness and high jinks on a night out in Macau last Tuesday, they were eager to claim that Ronaldo, in contrast to some, “only drank water and spent most of the night chatting with friends”.

Ronaldo’s image makes him a perfect role model, according to another sport marketing expert. “When you look at the names who have been at the top of football for the past few years, Beckham and Ronaldo [the Brazilian variety] are moving out of the equation because of their age and Ronaldinho didn’t have a great season last year,” Dr Simon Chadwick, of the Birkbeck Sports Business Centre, said. “Nor is Ronaldinho a particularly handsome or photogenic guy.

“So we’re left with the young guns, people like Rooney, Ronaldo, Franck Ribéry [the Bayern Munich and France forward] and Fernando Torres [Liverpool’s new striker]. Of those players, Ronaldo is the one who you would say ticks all the boxes. As a global sports personality, he’s perfect. He’s a fantastic player, successful and good-looking. He also has a kind of cockiness. One of the problems with some sportsmen as brands is that they don’t have a lively personality. But he has that. He’s got everything.”

It is all a far cry from a year ago, when Ronaldo appeared to be finished in this country, having gained notoriety after his role in Rooney’s red card in England’s World Cup quarter-final defeat by Portugal.

Meanwhile, United hope for good news this week in their pursuit of Carlos Tévez, whose owners have given West Ham United two days to agree a settlement or risk the matter going to court. Kia Joorabchian, who fronts the two companies that hold Tévez’s “economic rights”, is expected to serve the particulars of claim documents at the High Court on Wednesday, detailing allegations about the club breaching their contract. West Ham’s proposal is that they are paid £5 million by Joorabchian to release the registration of Tévez, which would allow the forward to move to Manchester United. The contract between the parties said that Joorabchian would pay West Ham £100,000 should Tévez leave this summer. The Premier League will hold a board meeting today and is expected to discuss that idea.

Ronaldo mania

2007-07-28T06:49:00.000-07:00

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SIR ALEX FERGUSON has insisted Cristiano Ronaldo's burgeoning celebrity status will not be allowed to ruin his career at Manchester United - just as it did with David Beckham.

Ronaldo has inherited Beckham's former title as United's most high-profile and marketable player, an iconic superstar whose looks and unique talent make him just as valuable off the field as on it.
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But Fergie, who sold Beckham to Real Madrid in 2003 because he felt the former England captain's celebrity profile had suffocated his ability and ultimately become detrimental to United, is adamant Ronaldo will not suffer the same fate.

"It's obvious when a talent like Ronaldo comes along that there will be attention," said Fergie in a break from United's preseason tour of Asia.

"But this club has been used to that for years now. There was George Best and then Ryan Giggs.

"Every time a fresh young talent comes along, they get praise heaped upon them. This club is great at creating heroes - there's no question about that.

"Ronaldo is 22, and at that age you have to be flexible when it comes to curtailing their youthfulness.

"I remember Ryan coming into training once wearing a new jacket, and I said to him 'Where the hell did you get that?'

"But young people like to dress differently and they want a bit of freedom in their choices. They want to be men before they're men and, with Cristiano, a lot has happened to him in his time at Manchester United.

"He's matured fantastically well and he's an intelligent boy who looks after himself. He has a lot of pluses. You never know how players handle celebrity and all the attention.

"But with Ronaldo, he seems to do OK with that. He seems to be fine. He doesn't seem to be overwhelmed or overly flattered by it.

"The problem comes when players get flattered by it and start enjoying it. That's when you start worrying."

The similarities between Beckham and Ronaldo are compelling, not least because both are synonymous with United's iconic No.7 shirt and have a global appeal that transcends football.

Beckham brought out a clothing range called DB7 during his United career, while Ronaldo has just launched his own chain of fashion stores, intriguingly called CR7, in his native Madeira.

And just as Beckham was when United travelled to the Far East for a pre-season tour in 2001, Ronaldo has been mobbed by hysterical fans - most of them teenage girls - wherever he has gone. In short, Becksmania has been replaced by Ronaldomania.

But while the pressures of commercial duties and the relentless scrutiny of the outside world can take its toll on modern-day players, Fergie has no fears over Ronaldo's ability to handle himself.

"At the moment there's absolutely no sign that the boy will be wasted by it," said Fergie. "When people ask to interview him, I don't worry too much. He can cope."

And Fergie is convinced the 22-year-old, who scooped the top individual honours last season - including PFA Player of the Year and the Football Writers' Player of the Year awards - can go one better and be crowned World and European Player of the Year.

"I hope he can," said Fergie. "Last season there was a fantastic improvement in Cristiano in terms of his goalscoring. To get 23 goals as a wide player is incredible.

"I know there were some penalties but to get something like 18 goals from open play as a wide player, there's not many who can do that." Fergie cut a relaxed figure as he looked ahead. The additions of Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson, as well as the expected arrival of Carlos Tevez, have strengthened his squad and also Fergie's belief that further success lies ahead this season.

And the United boss believes he now has a squad with enough quality and strength in depth to add to his solitary Champions League triumph of 1999.

"This squad certainly give us lots of alternatives," said Fergie.

"In the past we've complained about that. Against AC Milan in the Champions League semi-final second leg last season, we simply didn't have enough bodies. Nowadays you need 25 players during a season."

Fergie: 'Bets are off with Ronaldo'

2007-07-26T15:51:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo - The best free videos are right here

Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to quit while he is ahead after winning £400 in wagers with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 22-year-old Portugal winger has easily eclipsed the 15 and 20 goal totals set by Ferguson during the past two seasons.

But the Footballer of the Year has not accepted the 65-year-old Scot's latest challenge.

In a bid to deny Ronaldo a hat-trick of successful bets, Ferguson has set him a massive 35-goal target for the coming campaign.

The United boss said: "I won't be having a bet with Ronaldo this season because he has refused my offer.

"I told him that I would be asking for 35 goals from him this year, but he said no, so there will be no betting this season."

Cristiano Ronaldo - Funny blooper videos are here

Rio sees Ronny style in Nani

2007-07-25T14:55:00.000-07:00

io Ferdinand feels new signing Nani has the potential to match Cristiano Ronaldo's success at Old Trafford.

The 20-year-old impressed on his United debut against Shenzhen FC on Monday night, scoring as United ran out 6-0 winners.

Ferdinand believes Nani has the capabilities to follow in Ronaldo's footsteps and establish himself as a top player for the Reds.

"Nani has looked very sharp in training and he reminds me of a young Ronaldo," he told MUTV. "I hope that won't be a burden for him - I'm sure it won't.

"He's looked really good in training so far and he's played some great football in Portugal for the last few years and hopefully he can bring that form to our club."

Ronaldo will stay, says Fergie ...

2007-07-24T16:19:00.000-07:00

MACAU: Sir Alex Ferguson has rubbished suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo could be tempted away from Manchester United by insisting that the club is big enough to keep the Portuguese superstar.

Ronaldo, 22, has emerged as the biggest draw for soccer-crazy fans in Asia during United's tour of the region, with incredible scenes of adulation greeting the player so far in Tokyo, Seoul and Macau.

The former Sporting Lisbon youngster has scored in each of United's tour games and there is a growing belief that the forward is now the key man in Ferguson's team.

Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona have both tracked Ronaldo since last year's World Cup and rumours persist that the Madeira-born player is keen to return to his Mediterranean roots at some stage in his career.

However, having penned a new five-year deal at United earlier this year, Ferguson insists he has no fears over Ronaldo's long-term future at United.

“As for talk of Cristiano being bought by another club, I can say that he only signed a new five-year contract three months ago, so why would he leave?” asked the United boss.

“He is very happy here at United because he knows he is at the right club. This is a massive club and Ronaldo knows he can achieve great things here.”

Fellow Portuguese striker Nani, 20, made his United debut in the 6-0 rout of Shenzhen here on Monday and Ferguson believes that the £17.3mil buy from Sporting Lisbon has the potential to emulate Ronaldo at Old Trafford.

“We knew about Nani before we signed Ronaldo because he was in the youth team at Sporting, so we have followed his career in the time since,” he said.

“He is a tremendous talent who we hope will become a fantastic player for us, but the Shenzhen match was his first game and he needed it because he hasn't played since the European Championship tournament in Holland last month.

“He has recovered from his ankle injury, but not done a great deal of training, so it was good to see how he did against Shenzhen.

“He scored a good goal as well, so it was a good start for him.”

United complete their four-game tour of Asia on Friday when they face Guangzhou Pharmaceutical in Guangdong in southern China before flying home to Manchester.

Their pre-season warm-up continues with a glamour friendly against Italian champions Inter Milan at Old Trafford next week.