Ferguson: I knew fans would back Ron

Ferguson: I knew fans would back Ron

Sir Alex Ferguson has said he always knew the Manchester United fans would support Cristiano Ronaldo when he returned from injury.

After indicating that he wanted to join Real Madrid, it was not clear whether the fans would welcome the Portugal star back when he made his comeback against Villarreal earlier this month.

But the supporters appear to have forgiven him and Ferguson claims that a warm welcome was never in doubt.

"The fans know he's been here for five years, he's shown his loyalty to the club - he's hardly missed a game in all that time - and he's scored all these goals," he said.

"He's entertained us to incredible levels and the fans don't forget these kind of things.

“They supported him after the World Cup thing with Wayne Rooney and I knew they would support him again this time."

Ronaldo can leave like Cantona

Ronaldo can leave like Cantona

Cristiano Ronaldo can emulate Eric Cantona’s Old Trafford legacy before he leaves Manchester United, says Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Portuguese winger was at the centre of a lengthy and drawn out transfer saga during the summer, with a move to Real Madrid failing to materialise after Ronaldo had admitted he was keen on a switch.

Ferguson played hard to hold onto his star player and won the battle to retain Ronaldo’s services, and while he has admitted it is likely the player will move on in the none-too-distant future, he says the 23-year-old can become a legend at United before he does so.

"I think Cristiano has come to accept that at this stage of his career, United is the place for him," said Ferguson.

"Southern Europeans want at some point to play for Real Madrid or Barcelona, so I understood what was going on in Cristiano's mind when he declared he wanted to join Real.

"But once we had talked he accepted it was a move for the future.

"I pointed out to him how much better it would be to leave like Eric Cantona, with the fans loving and appreciating him.

"The crowd still chant Cantona's name and I told Cristiano 'Leave a hero like Eric' and one day he will. But not yet."

Phelan backs Ronaldo for cup return

Phelan backs Ronaldo for cup return

Mike Phelan believes Tuesday's Carling Cup tie with Middlesbrough offers Cristiano Ronaldo the perfect opportunity to ease his way back into Manchester United's starting line-up.

Ronaldo has been named in a 20-man squad for the Old Trafford encounter and, while the Portugal winger has come on as substitute against Villarreal and, 48 hours ago, in the battling draw at Chelsea, Sir Alex Ferguson knows he cannot reach the level he needs to be an effective force in the Premier League without further match sharpness.

"Cristiano is maybe a couple of weeks behind everybody else but his progression has been fantastic," said Phelan, who was confirmed as Ferguson's full-time assistant a fortnight ago.

"The work he has put into his recovery and training has been first class and he has been introduced into games for 15 or 20 minutes at a time.

"He knows he still needs a few more minutes to get to the level he wants to be at. Tonight is a great opportunity to do that, which is why his name is in the squad."

Ferguson will have a few more genuine first-teamers than usual in his side, with Anderson and Nani also needing games. England duo Gary Neville and Owen Hargreaves might be involved as well, although there is confusion over the availability of striker Manucho, who was due to make his debut.

In his programme notes, which were written last week, Sir Alex Ferguson suggested the Angolan would miss out due to a foot injury.

However, Phelan on Monday claimed Manucho would be in a 20-man squad for the cup tie.

There will also be the usual scattering of youngsters, although young Brazilian Fabio Da Silva misses out, having been forced to undergo a shoulder operation.

England Under-19 international Danny Welbeck is also expected to be handed at least a place on the bench.

Ronaldo to step up comeback

Ronaldo to step up comeback

Cristiano Ronaldo could start for the first time this season in Manchester United’s Carling Cup tie against Middlesbrough on Tuesday.

The Portuguese underwent an ankle operation in July but has made a fantastic recovery, according to United’s new assistant manager Mike Phelan.

The former Real Madrid target has appeared twice as a substitute in United's last two matches and a third round Carling Cup tie at Old Trafford would be the perfect occasion for Ronaldo to hone his match fitness.

"Cristiano is maybe a couple of weeks behind everybody else but his progression has been fantastic," said Phelan.

"The work he has put into his recovery and training has been first class and he has been introduced into games for 15 or 20 minutes at a time.

"He knows he still needs a few more minutes to get to the level he wants to be at. Tonight is a great opportunity to do that, which is why his name is in the squad."

Ronaldo set to make early return

Ronaldo set to make early return

Winger Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to make an early return from injury for Manchester United's opening Champions League match against Villarreal.

Ronaldo, sidelined for two months after undergoing an ankle operation in July, was expected to be out until October.

But manager Sir Alex Ferguson said Ronaldo could feature on Wednesday, as well as against Chelsea next weekend.

"He's been making great strides in the direction towards first-team football," said the United boss.

Ferguson added: "Ronaldo is training now, he's with the first team and he's aiming to be a substitute at Chelsea on 21 September. He's come on leaps and bounds.

"I think we mentioned a couple of weeks ago he was making rapid progress in terms of overcoming the injury problem he had and the training he's been doing with the physios and Tony Strudwick the fitness coach."

United will be without midfielder Michael Carrick, who injured his right ankle midway through the first half of Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Liverpool, for the start of their European Cup defence.

Ferguson later revealed that an X-ray revealed no break, and the injury is not as bad as first feared, but was enough to rule him out of Wednesday's game.

The 28-year-old England international is also expected to miss the Premier League clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, as is Nemanja Vidic after the defender was sent off at Anfield.

Ronaldo leaves the door ajar

Ronaldo leaves the door ajar

Cristiano Ronaldo has ruled out a move to the blue half of Manchester, but stopped short of making any sort of long-term commitment to Old Trafford.

Ronaldo looked odds-on for a move to Real Madrid in the summer only to see Manchester United successfully dig their heels in and force him to stay for at least one more season.

Madrid’s interest in the Portugal winger is unlikely to dissipate, but in recent weeks a brand new suitor has apparently arrived on the scene.

Manchester City’s newfound moneybags owners have set their sights on a host of stellar names, claiming that they could be prepared to offer upwards of £130 million for Ronaldo.

"It's good in a way," the player said while at the Golden Boot ceremony where he was being honoured as the top scorer in Europe last season.

"It's good for football, not only Manchester, but Arsenal and Liverpool. It's like Chelsea and [owner Romam] Abramovich. They had not won for 50 years and he arrived and they won The Premiership twice.

"Money doesn't make a club great and it isn't everything, but I am not the one making the decisions, so you never know in the future.”

However, Ronaldo did go on to seemingly diffuse talk of a move - one to Eastlands at least.

“I do not see myself leaving Manchester United for Manchester City,” he told the Portuguese media.

“I do not know… I am very contented where I am, but only God knows where the future lies. Regardless of any interest I will always try to give my optimum.”

Fergie: Ronaldo ready to return

Fergie: Ronaldo ready to return

Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to make a shock return to action after Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson declared him fit to play.

The Portugal international has been sidelinded since undergoing an ankle operation over the summer and was not expected to return until October or November.

But the winger, who netted 42 times for United last season, could now be in line to face Villarreal in The Champions League on Wednesday.

Ferguson told the official club website: "Ronaldo is training now, he's with the first team. He's come on leaps and bounds and I may take him with us tomorrow (to face Liverpool on Saturday), who knows? But he's more likely to be involved next week.

"I think we mentioned a couple of weeks ago he was making rapid progress in terms of overcoming the injury problem he had and the training he's been doing with the physios and Tony Strudwick the fitness coach.

"He's been making great strides in the direction towards first-team football."

The United winger had looked odds-on to quit Old Trafford over the summer, following a furious pursuit by Spanish giants Real Madrid.

But his return will provide a welcome boost to United, who face title rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next week.

Arbeloa: United still strong without Ronaldo

Arbeloa: United still strong without Ronaldo

Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa has set his sights on victory over Manchester United on Saturday – but does not think the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo will be an advantage.

United grabbed a 1-0 win through Carlos Tevez when the sides met at Anfield last season and, having experienced that disappointment, Arbeloa is eager to ensure there is no repeat this time around.

And he believes a victory over their rivals would provide a major confidence boost in the title race.

“That was a really bad experience,” he told the club’s official website.

“I know how much of an important game it is for us and our supporters and we were all really disappointed. It is just as important for me as the supporters.

“I think this game is worth much more than three points.

“If we beat Manchester United at home, we will have 10 points and much more confidence, but everyone will also be very, very happy.”

United are still without key man Cristiano Ronaldo for the game, but Arbeloa believes the team’s strength in depth means it will be just as hard to get a result.

“United don’t have Ronaldo, but they still have really good players like Nani, Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney and now Dimitar Berbatov,” he added.

“I really don’t know if it will be easier without Ronaldo.” Fabio Aurelio, meanwhile, is confident that Liverpool can use the backing of the Anfield crowd to help them win the game.

"We have to be 100 percent on our game and try and show character,” he said.

“We need to show them how difficult it is to play at Anfield. Our fans will show that and we need to do it on the pitch.

“We need to try and change the history. In recent years, it has been difficult against them, but we have a great opportunity to change that on Saturday.

"The Premier League is the best competition in the world and this game is special. Everyone wants to see this game and every player wants to be involved."

Capel to emulate Ronaldo and Messi

Capel to emulate Ronaldo and Messi

Sevilla winger Diego Capel is on the right track to emulate Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, according to his team-mate Renato.

The Brazilian midfielder has hailed Capel for his flamboyant attacking style, and defended the 20-year-old, who is sometimes criticised for his risk-taking.

Capel, heavily linked to Tottenham this summer, is tipped to improve a lot in the future but still has a lot to learn.

"Messi and Cristiano take players on when they get the ball, they do the same as Diego and they are the best in the world," Renato said.

"It's direct football which, to better it in Diego's case, needs improvement in some aspects, but it's a very valid style."

For his part, Renato is hopeful he will be back to action this week for the clash with Sporting Gijon.

"I'm still recovering my physical fitness," he said.

"I'll be 100 percent but I lost a bit of form because of my injury and I'll try to recover that as soon as possible and be ready for the clash, have my time and help the team."

Nani: I'm not Ronaldo

Nani: I'm not Ronaldo

Nani has moved to play down comparisons with his Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, but says his aim is to be mentioned in the same breath as the world’s elite.

Nani joined The Red Devils in the summer of 2007 and has blossomed into one of the club’s key performers.

The winger is slight of stature, but he has a bundle of tricks in his armoury and has been likened to Ronaldo.

Portugal star Ronaldo is the favourite to make off with the world player of the year crown and Nani does not want to be compared to his fellow countryman, but has big aims for the future.

”I do not want to be compared with Cristiano Ronaldo,” said Nani. “We have different functions and our style of play is different.

”My dream is not to be better than Cristiano Ronaldo, but to be considered as one of the major stars of world football.”

Nani is aware that to fulfil his dreams he will have to put in the hard yards.

”To be the best I will have to work hard, I believe that I can be stronger and if I do that I will get where I want to be.”

CR7 is the best - Zidane

CR7 is the best - Zidane

The legendary Zinedine Zidane has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to make off with the 2008 Fifa player of the year award.

Zidane, who won every major individual prize during his glorious career, reckons Manchester United forward Ronaldo has been the standout performer in 2008.

“Honestly, Cristiano Ronaldo is in a good position to win it,” Zidane said.

“Then, it’s a question of feeling. When I was playing, some preferred Zidane to Ronaldo and vice-versa.

“As far as I’m concerned, Cristiano Ronaldo has an edge regarding the whole season.”

Man Utd dismiss Ronaldo City link

Man Utd dismiss Ronaldo City link

Manchester United chief David Gill has rejected claims rivals City will make a £135m bid for Cristiano Ronaldo under new owners Abu Dhabi United Group.

Sulaiman Al-Fahim, the billionaire businessman at the centre of the Manchester City takeover, has publicly drawn up a list of big-money targets.

But Gill told BBC Radio 5 Live he is treating it "with a pinch of salt".

"I can't believe he is serious at those levels and, anyway, we are not looking to sell our best players," he added.

"Ultimately we would discuss any offer with (Manchester United manager) Alex (Ferguson) and the owners, as that sort of money is very large for one person.


"But he mentioned (Fernando) Torres and (Cesc) Fabregas in the same article, so I think we can remain calm, wait and see what happens over the course of the next months and years, and not worry about it too much."

Other players on Al-Fahim's list include United defender Rio Ferdinand, AC Milan's Kaka and Didier Drogba of Chelsea amid claims he could be willing to spend up to £1bn solely on player purchases.

Should Man Utd be worried?
And, with City having already bought Robinho for £32.5m from Real Madrid on the last day of the transfer window, Gill admits Al-Fahim could completely change the landscape of football if he is serious in his claims.

"I have never met the gentleman, so I couldn't say for sure whether he is serious or not," said Gill. "But that is a fantastic amount of money and would turn the industry upside down.

"Still, it is interesting that when Alex mentioned the Dimitar Berbatov signing from Spurs in advance that complaints were made to the Premier League and yet he is publicly listing a host of players he claims to want to buy."

Berbatov's arrival at Old Trafford from Tottenham was one of the most controversial moves of the summer, with Spurs alleging that United were far from proper in their approach for the Bulgarian and the £30.75m deal only concluded late on Monday night.

However, despite further claims that Berbatov underwent a medical on Monday and held talks with United without Spurs' express permission, Gill insisted: "We are very comfortable with how the whole thing went.

"There were allegations made, but we are comfortable that how we approached it was entirely correct and within the rules.


"We are very comfortable we had permission to do what we did"
Gill on Dimitar Berbatov's signing from Tottenham

"It came together on Monday and the agent was given permission for the player to come up to Manchester, we arranged the plane for him and Alex met him at the airport.

"It's true to say when the medical commenced we had not finished all the final negotiations with Spurs but both parties were confident they would be completed to everyone's satisfaction.

"We are very comfortable we had permission to do what we did and it was clear to Tottenham and (Spurs chairman) Daniel Levy in particular that he knew what we were doing and if that wasn't the case we wouldn't have done it."

Gill also confirmed that Berbatov's signing would probably be United's last this season, with the permanent signing of striker Carlos Tevez "the other bit of business we will finalise".

Ferguson unfazed by Man City cash

Ferguson unfazed by Man City cash

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says he is not concerned about the threat posed by newly wealthy neighbours Manchester City.

City's prospective new Arab owners have set their sights on winning the Premier League title and the Champions League.

"I can't be worried," said Ferguson. "There's always challenges in football.

"Some years ago it was Chelsea, some years ago it was Arsenal. Wherever the challenges come you just have to accept it. It doesn't change anything."

The Abu Dhabi United Group funded City's stunning capture of Brazilian forward Robinho from Real Madrid for a British record fee of £32.5m on transfer deadline day.

That came after they had failed in a bid to hijack United's purchase of Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov.

Should Ferguson be worried?
The group have since stated their intention to sign the likes of Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, Liverpool striker Fernando Torres and United winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

"They can talk," said Ferguson with a smile.

He added: "We have a good set-up ourselves. We have been working for years to build the team we have got."

United winger Ryan Giggs agreed with Ferguson that it takes time as well as money to build a championship-winning team.

"City have the richest owner in the world but I still see United as the biggest club in the world," said the 34-year-old.

"United have a status and history that it has taken years to build up. It stretches back to the Busby Babes, to players like Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best.

"You can't just buy a team - you need stability and a base to work from.

"But obviously major money can be a big influence because it means you can bring quality to your team."

Mark Hughes finds himself in vastly different circumstances than when he was appointed manager at Eastlands.

But Giggs backed his former Wales and United team-mate to cope with the added scrutiny.

"It will be a tough job because with the money comes pressure," he said.

"But, having worked with Mark Hughes as my manager and had him as a team-mate, I know what he is all about. It won't faze him. He is a very good manager."

Ferguson also sympathised with Hughes' situation.

"For a young manager it must be difficult," the 66-year-old Ferguson said.

"You can't judge it from when I started, it is a completely different world now. I am at the tail-end of my career. I've been through all these changes so it doesn't faze me."