United ready to resume domestic hostilities

United ready to resume domestic hostilities

Manchester United, suddenly within sight of that Premier League summit, are hungry for three points against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford tonight, with the choice of referee adding spice to an encounter already lent intensity by the clubs' controversial Carling Cup encounter in September.


Martin Atkinson's arrival as referee brings him his first United game since he officiated in United's FA Cup defeat to Portsmouth last March, after which Sir Alex Ferguson's then assistant Carlos Queiroz described him as a "robber" and Ferguson said the official's performance "should not be accepted" and that he had been selected out of favouritism by match officials' head Keith Hackett. Ferguson and Queiroz surprisingly escaped an FA improper conduct charge.

Tonight's fixture has been an intense affair since Gareth Southgate questioned Cristiano Ronaldo's sportsmanship a few years back. The Carling Cup clash that saw Emmanuel Pogatetz launch the ugly foul on United's youngster Rodrigo Possebon for which the Boro skipper was dismissed adds more piquancy.

Brazilian full-back Rafael da Silva may be introduced into a youthful United defence missing both Rio Ferdinand, who is resting a back problem, and Patrice Evra, serving a four-match ban. There is also a possible return for Dimitar Berbatov, who picked up a virus en route to the World Club Championship in Japan.

*The future of Derby County manager Paul Jewell has been cast into further doubt after his side slipped to a sixth defeat in nine league games, losing 1-0 to Ipswich at Pride Park yesterday. Jewell failed to appear for the post-match press conference.

FERGUSON OFFERS PEACE TO BORO

FERGUSON OFFERS PEACE TO BORO

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has offered the hand of friendship to Middlesbrough ahead of their meeting at Old Trafford on Monday.

He wants to put to bed the bad feeling that has simmered between them the past two years.

"We hope the Christmas spirit has lingered on long enough to help heal the rift that had developed between the two clubs," he said.

The rift began in December 2006 when Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate accused Cristiano Ronaldo of cheating after he won a penalty in United's 2-1 victory in the league.

Three months later tempers flared again in an FA Cup sixth round replay at Old Trafford with Ronaldo again the centre of controversy.

The Portugal winger went to ground late on and scored from the spot to ease his side through.

Middlesbrough midfielder James Morrison was so incensed he was given a straight red card for a challenge on Ronaldo - and Southgate appeared to condone his player's behaviour.

Then last September the simmering tensions between the two clubs flared up again during a Carling Cup tie at Old Trafford.

Rodrigo Possebon was carried off with a deep gash on his leg after being clattered by defender Emmanuel Pogatetz - the Austrian later apologised.

Ferguson was angered after the victory not just with Pogatetz's lunge but also the way the Middlesbrough bench reacted as if the player was feigning injury.

Now the veteran Scot wants to build bridges with the Teessiders and stated in his programme notes: "Over the years we have had some contentious games, culminating earlier in the season with the Carling Cup tie.

"A terrible tackle put Rodrigo Possebon out of the game but could easily have broken his leg.

"I lost my temper at the time but hopefully that challenge has served to bring both clubs to their senses.

"I feel the healing process started when their manager and his coach apologised for the tackle and things said in the heat of the moment.

"I think we understand better now that we are involved in games of football and not a war.

"I am sure we can build a better relationship. I certainly hope so because we have had some momentous games against Middlesbrough, matches that have helped decide titles.

"Those games also generate a great atmosphere and we always take a big crowd to the Riverside."

Ferguson was critical of Southgate's appointment as the England defender did not have the correct badges.

However it appears the Scot is warming to his managerial counterpart.

Ferguson added: "I certainly admire the work of Gareth Southgate, a young manager who made the bold and brave decision to change the shape of his team, moving on older players to make way for a fresh, young squad.

"Managing change is one of the most difficult aspects of our job and I cannot help but admire his ambition and conviction.

"He has pursued a policy that has altered the face of the team, without conceding too much ground in the league."

Meanwhile Rio Ferdinand will sit out the match after suffering a back spasm before the side claimed a narrow victory at Stoke.

Patrice Evra is again ruled out through suspension while Dimitar Berbatov is pushing for a recall to the team after making an impact when he stepped off the bench on Boxing Day.

Manchester United January transfers

Manchester United January transfers

All the latest transfer news and speculation from Manchester United football club.


CONFIRMED TRANSFERS

IN:


OUT:


SPECULATION:

19 December: Sir Alex Ferguson launched his most scathing attack yet on Real Madrid when he said yesterday that he would not sell the Spanish club "a virus", let alone Cristiano Ronaldo.

19 December: Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has rubbished reports that they have an agreement in place to take Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo to the Bernabeu next summer, insisting the issue is "totally dead".

18 December: Manchester United have agreed to sell Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid at the end of the season, according to reports yesterday in the respected Spanish newspaper El Mundo.

9 December: Sir Alex Ferguson insists he is not frustrated at the length of time taken for Carlos Tevez to sign a permanent contract with Manchester United.

1 December: Serbia winger Zoran Tosic expects to join Manchester United in January after being granted a British work permit following a personal appeal by Alex Ferguson.

Football: most read in 2008

Football: most read in 2008

The transfer market provided the most fevered reading for football fans on the Independent website this year.


The transfer round-up was the most read, fuelled by the daily summer speculation over Cristiano Ronaldo, Dimitar Berbatov and Robinho.

Transfer deadline day, and Arsenal’s attempt to capture Alonso, as well as the round-up pages for the Londoners, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United also pricked your interest.

Ronaldinho’s first Milan derby also gained a lot of attention as did our round-up of bizarre football injury, prompted by Stoke’s Liam Lawrence tripping over a dog lead.

Football finance was never far from your thoughts – with Uefa’s threatened ban on indebted clubs and the inside story of The girl from Doncaster who became the toast of Abu Dhabi – and Manchester City. Finance of another kid, as ridiculed by Rio Ferdinand when he attacked the Wags era circus of previous England management regimes.

And an ancient feud was resurrected when Alex Ferguson revealed he would never talk to the BBC again.

Mourinho: Zlatan better than Ronaldo

Mourinho: Zlatan better than Ronaldo

Inter Milan will not face Manchester United until the end of February but coach Jose Mourinho has already declared his striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is better than Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

The former Chelsea boss believes his fellow Portuguese Ronaldo "is certainly not the best" player in the world, instead claiming Sweden striker Ibrahimovic deserves the accolade after hitting 10 goals in Serie A this season.

"Ronaldo is a good player but he is certainly not the best," he said. "He deserved the Golden Ball award because his team won the Champions League and the Premier League. But, for me, Ibrahimovic is the best."

Mourinho's comments are sure to fan the flames ahead of Inter's clash with United in the last 16 of the Champions League, which kicks off with the first leg at the San Siro on February 22.

"When I think how a player should be, names like Kaka, Ibrahimovic and (Lionel) Messi come to mind," Mourinho added.

"Messi is great and in two or three years' time he will win the Golden Ball (Ballon d'Or) award."

Japanese gripped by Man Utd fever

Japanese gripped by Man Utd fever

"Here to see United, you're only here to see United," has been the theme chant of Manchester United's small but noisy band of travelling supporters here at the Fifa Club World Cup in Japan.

And - despite a partisan hardcore support for Gamba Osaka in United's 5-3 semi-final stroll on Thursday - most Japanese have wanted to see the stars of Old Trafford, particularly the swaggering Cristiano Ronaldo, in action.

From middle-aged housewives to shady young locals sporting sunglasses and tattoos, everyone here - in the absence of a glamour club from South America - has wanted to be associated with the English champions.

And it is not just at the Yokohama stadium that United-fever has taken a grip over the past three days.

Here in the centre of Japan's second-largest city a sizeable section on the eighth floor of iconic department store Sogo has been put aside for the sale of official Manchester United merchandise up until Christmas Day.

And, on the day of the Club World Cup final, the Old Trafford club's scarves, badges, calendars, DVDs and other products have been flying off the shelves there like hot cakes.

"This will make a good Christmas present for my boyfriend," said Akiko Nakamura, 24, from Tokyo, brandishing a Red Devils T-shirt proudly.

What do you think of United's achievement?


The Japanese have taken this expanded event, which since 2005 has superceded their own Europe v South America Toyota Cup competition, very seriously and affectionately indeed.

And they have every right to do so, as they rescued the then moribund intercontinental contest between the two major football continents back in the 1980/81 season.

So it is no surprise that the Fifa event here has garnered huge coverage in the Japanese newspapers and television, and with near to 300 local media representatives at both the semi-finals and final.

Meanwhile, for United this jaunt has represented a more pleasing experience than their ill-fated trip to play in the first Fifa Club World Championship in Brazil in 2000.

That trip garnered United a lot of bad publicity for pulling out of the FA Cup (they were holders at the time), and they crashed out of the contest in the first round, memorably falling victim to a Romario-inspired Vasco da Gama of Brazil.

Neither were they feted by the locals as they have been here in Japan.

The narrow streets a kilometre away from the stadium have been packed with sellers - both official and unofficial - of United merchandise.

Next to official licensed stands selling MUFC products have been sellers with piles of cheap replica shirts made in south-east Asia.

Sales of shirts with Ronaldo's name on the back have been doing a brisk trade, both in the official and unofficial versions.

As have Manchester United Christmas antlers, with one either confused or die-hard Japanese pensioner opting to put the novelty items on to his dog's head.

Outside the stadium the catering vans have been selling an ad-hoc 'British menu' of Scotch broth soup, beef rolls, and scones with jam (but not a prawn sandwich in sight).

Lit up at night on its raised position, the stadium has looked like a giant spaceship, waiting to host its very own close encounter.

And inside the stadium United's 10 men played their part, edging out the Ecuadorian club's cautious counter-attacking formation in a cagey 1-0 win, with Sir Alex Ferguson outwitting Argentine coach Edgar Bauza, who was in charge of LDU for the last time.

"I am so glad to see Manchester United win this cup because I love Premier League football which we watch every week on television here in Japan," said an excited Nozomi Nakata, 28, from Yokohama, after the game.

Now the Fifa caravan moves on to the Middle East, with the next two Club World Championships being held in Abu Dhabi.

It remains to be seen if a crowd of 30,000-plus fans there will turn out in the middle of a storm as the Japanese did at the mostly uncovered National Stadium for the game between Pachuca and Quito last week.

Meanwhile the small band of Manchester United fans have been singing a new song to teach their Japanese admirers.

"We're champions of England, champions of Europe - champions of the world."

Vidic red card mars United's mastery of the world

Vidic red card mars United's mastery of the world

Wayne Rooyney's superb 73rd-minute strike gave 10-man Manchester United a hard-fought victory over Ecuador's Liga de Quito in the Club World Cup final here yesterday.



United became the first British winners of the Fifa tournament following Liverpool's failure in 2005 when they were ambushed by Brazil's Sao Paulo. The European champions overcame a moment of madness from Nemanja Vidic, who was sent off four minutes into the second half for elbowing the Quito striker Claudio Bieler in the face.

"The sending-off made it difficult for us," the United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said. "Half an hour to go is a long road with 10 men but Wayne scored a magnificent goal. In 30 years you'll look back and see Manchester United's name on the trophy – although I won't be around to enjoy it."

Vidic's red card is a major blow to Ferguson as he will miss United's next Champions League game, away to Internazionale in February in the first leg of the last 16. "It's a soft sending-off but he swung an elbow," Ferguson said. "He gave the referee no option."

Vidic's ban could be extended to three matches should the incident be deemed violent conduct. "It depends how Fifa interpret it and how Uefa act," Ferguson added. "Vidic is disappointed but the referee was correct to produce the red card."

The Serbian defender's dismissal sparked Ferguson's side into life and Rooney fired the winner with a clinical right-foot shot after a magical flick from Cristiano Ronaldo.

"We're the best team in the world," said Rooney, who was named player of the tournament after scoring twice in United's 5-3 semi-final win over Japan's Gamba Osaka. "If we hadn't won, it would have been difficult going back home. We would probably have been on a downer and it would have had a knock-on effect.

"Now we can go back with lots of confidence. I just looked at my phone and I had a message saying 'congratulations – you're a world champion'. To score the winning goal is a great feeling." Ronaldo, the victim of persistent rough treatment from Libertadores Cup holders Quito, was a constant threat as United dominated a match watched by almost 69,000 fans.

Rooney, Park Ji-Sung and Carlos Tevez all went close. United still had to survive late Quito pressure, with the goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar forced into an excellent fingertip save from Alejandro Manso's fierce drive in the 89th minute.

"Unbelievable!" said the United captain Rio Ferdinand. "We're elated. It's been a hard trip but winning softens any feelings of tiredness."

Ferguson's side won the tournament's forerunner, a one-off match between the champions of Europe and South America, with a 1-0 win over Brazilian side Palmeiras in 1999.

Goal: Rooney (73) 1-0.

Manchester United (4-4-2): Van der Sar; Rafael (Neville, 85), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Park, Carrick, Anderson (Fletcher, 88), Ronaldo; Tevez (Evans, 51), Rooney. Substitutes not used: Kuszczak, Berbatov, Giggs, Nani, Scholes, Welbeck, O'Shea, Gibson, Amos.

Liga de Quito (4-4-2): Cevallos; Campos, Calle (Ambrosi, 77), N Araujo, Calderon; Reasco (Larrea, 82), W Araujo, Urrutia, Bolanos (Navia, 88); Manso, Bieler. Substitutes not used: Dominguez, Obregon, Delgado, Eder Vaca, Danny Vaca, Chango, Viteri.

Referee: R Irmatov (Uzbekistan).

Rooney delighted to be big in Japan

Rooney delighted to be big in Japan

Wayne Rooney said he was "delighted and proud" after scoring the winning goal in Manchester United's Club World Cup final win over Ecuador's LDU Quito in Japan.

Rooney slotted home the only goal of a game which United dominated, even after Nemanja Vidic had been sent off four minutes into the second half for an elbow on Claudio Bieler.

Rooney ensured the Red Devils got the reward they deserved with a clinical strike from Cristiano Ronaldo's pass 16 minutes from time.

Rooney told Five: "It's fantastic. It's a great achievement by us. We are really delighted and proud that we are the world champions."

Rooney admitted it was a tough game, especially after Vidic's sending off.

But he added: "To score the winning goal is a great feeling for myself."

United captain Rio Ferdinand said: "Now we can say we are the best team in the world.

"We knew they could create problems but I think today we kept them down to a minimum of chances."

RED DEVILS ON TOP OF THE WORLD

RED DEVILS ON TOP OF THE WORLD

Wayne Rooney grabbed the only goal as 10-man Manchester United were crowned kings of the world.

United were always the dominant force in their Club World Cup final with LDU Quito, even after Nemanja Vidic had been sent off.

And Rooney ensured the Red Devils got the reward they deserved when he curled home the winner 16 minutes from time after Cristiano Ronaldo had supplied the final pass.

It is the first time an English club have won the tournament in its expanded form and the second time United have been crowned best on the planet following their victory over Palmeiras in 1999.

And an overjoyed Rooney told Five afterwards: "It's fantastic. It's a great achievement by us. We are really delighted and proud that we are the world champions."

Rooney admitted it was a tough game, especially after Vidic's sending off, but added: "To score the winning goal is a great feeling for myself."

United captain Rio Ferdinand said: "Now we can say we are the best team in the world.

"We knew they could create problems but I think today we kept them down to a minimum of chances."

Rooney's efforts did not just earn him a man of the match award. Having also netted twice in Thursday's semi-final, he was also named player of the tournament and received a massive gold car key courtesy of sponsors Toyota.

Rooney said: "To win any award is an achievement.

"It is a great feeling to get the winning goal, win the trophy and get player of the tournament.

"Hopefully it will give me a lift. I want to keep improving and if I work hard and keep practising then hopefully I will get better each year."

Mourinho in Ronaldo jibe

Internazionale coach Jose Mourinho believes that Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a better player than Cristiano Ronaldo.


27-year-old Ibrahimovic has often been accused of failing to make the most of his talents, but Mourinho has full belief that he is the equal of the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.


The Portuguese said after a 2-1 victory at Siena: “When I think how a player should be, names like Kaka, Ibrahimovic and Messi come to mind.


“Messi is great and in two or three years' time he will win the Ballon d'Or award.


“Ronaldo is a good player but he is certainly not the best. He deserved the Golden Ball award because his team won the Champions League and the Premier League.


“But, for me, Ibrahimovic is the best.”


Udinese coach Pasquale Marino has admitted that his job is on the line after his side’s dismal run of form continued with a 5-1 thrashing by AC Milan in the San Siro.


Udine have now failed to win any of their last eight games in Serie A and have fallen into the bottom half of the table as a result.


Marino said: “I don't think this defeat will change anything and we talked it over with the club after the game.


“This is a club that evaluates the work of a coach over a year-and-a-half rather than the last month, remembering where we came from and how many players have developed since we began.


“At the moment we are struggling physically and psychologically. After so many defeats, it becomes difficult to react in a certain way.


“There are problems and the Christmas break comes at just the right moment for us.


“At the start of the season we were compact, concentrated and united, moving as one. In this phase we have lost our unity.”

Ibrahimovic 'better than Ronaldo'

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho insists his striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a better player than Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Ronaldo is a good player but he is certainly not the best," said Mourinho.

"He deserved the Golden Ball award because his team won the Champions League and the Premier League. But, for me, Ibrahimovic is the best."

Mourinho also said he is not chasing Chelsea's Dider Drogba, but admitted he will let striker Adriano leave Inter.

The 26-year-old Brazilian forward has been linked with a move to Chelsea or a return to his home country, and is apparently now free to leave in the January transfer window.

"(Club president) Massimo Moratti and I want him to stay," said Mourinho.

"However, if he asked me to leave I would not oppose it. He has 10 years of football left to play."

He added: "I have never hidden my special relationship with Didier but I do not need another striker as I have Hernan Crespo, Julio Cruz, Mario Balotelli and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.


"Drogba is more than a player for me, he is a part of me, an extension of the coach on the pitch"
Jose Mourinho

"But Drogba is more than a player for me, he is a part of me, an extension of the coach on the pitch."

With Italian champions Inter set to face Manchester United in the last 16 of the Champions league next February, Mourinho has begun talking up his players.

And the former Chelsea boss believes his fellow Portuguese, Ronaldo, "is certainly not the best" player in the world.

"When I think how a player should be, names like Kaka, Ibrahimovic and (Lionel) Messi come to mind," said Mourinho.

"Messi is great and in two or three years' time he will win the Golden Ball (Ballon d'Or) award."

FERGUSON BACKS RONALDO

FERGUSON BACKS RONALDO

Sir Alex Ferguson believes everything is in place for Cristiano Ronaldo to go on and become one of football's true greats.

Ronaldo has already achieved plenty in his short career - appearing in the final of Euro 2004 with Portugal, lifting two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy with Manchester United, plus a host of individual honours, including the prestigious Ballon D'Or.

On Sunday in Japan he will be part of a United side aiming to be crowned world champions by beating Ecuador's LDU Quito.

For a 23-year-old it would be a remarkable haul - with the promise of much more to come.

If Ronaldo can sustain such high performance levels, he could end up being compared to Pele and Diego Maradona - widely accepted to be the best two players of all-time.

"When you have a star like this, a young player with such huge potential, they normally make an impact very early - which is what Cristiano has done," said Ferguson.

"Pele scored in a World Cup semi-final as a 17-year-old. Maradona played for his country at 17. Cristiano was 18. All the signs are the same.

"What you don't know about him, but can say about Maradona and Pele, is that their careers lasted for a number of years.

"Pele played in two World Cup finals, as did Maradona. Maybe Portugal do not have the profile to get to World Cup finals, the same as Brazil and Argentina - so you have to judge him a different way."

It means Ferguson feels Ronaldo must maintain the high levels that brought him 42 goals last year and amass major honours in the same way Ruud Gullit and Zinedine Zidane achieved to assume the mantle of greatness. He would have to do even more to be regarded in the same company as Pele and Maradona.

Yet the Scots knows Ronaldo has all the attributes required to reach those heady heights. It is little wonder then that Real Madrid have been so keen to get him - and United just as determined the Madeira-born player should stay where he is.

"Cristiano is superb," said Ferguson.

"He has timing getting into the box, ability with two feet - and you would never associate a Portuguese winger with such magnificent ability in the air. He is like an old fashioned centre-forward.

"There are a lot of things in his favour to go on and become a legend.

"The answers will come in the next few years."

Ronaldo will almost certainly be part of a United line-up that also boasts Park Ji-sung.

The South Korean has been guaranteed his place by Ferguson, who is promising other changes as well.

However, ฃ30.75million record signing Dimitar Berbatov will only make the bench.

The Bulgarian has recovered from a virus, but Ferguson feels his lack of match sharpness will cost him a starting place.

Ferguson: Ronaldo can be a legend

Ferguson: Ronaldo can be a legend

Sir Alex Ferguson believes everything is in place for Cristiano Ronaldo to go on and become one of football's true greats.

Ronaldo has already achieved plenty in his short career - appearing in the final of Euro 2004 with Portugal, lifting two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy with Manchester United, plus a host of individual honours, including the prestigious Ballon D'Or.

"Pele scored in a World Cup semi-final as a 17-year-old. Maradona played for his country at 17. Cristiano was 18. All the signs are the same." said Ferguson.

"What you don't know about him, but can say about Maradona and Pele, is that their careers lasted for a number of years.

"Pele played in two World Cup finals, as did Maradona. Maybe Portugal do not have the profile to get to World Cup finals, the same as Brazil and Argentina - so you have to judge him a different way."

It means Ferguson feels Ronaldo must maintain the high levels that brought him 42 goals last year and amass major honours in the same way Ruud Gullit and Zinedine Zidane achieved to assume the mantle of greatness. He would have to do even more to be regarded in the same company as Pele and Maradona.

Yet the Scot knows Ronaldo has all the attributes required to reach those heady heights. It is little wonder then that Real Madrid have been so keen to get him - and United just as determined the Madeira-born player should stay where he is.

"Cristiano is superb," said Ferguson.

"He has timing getting into the box, ability with two feet - and you would never associate a Portuguese winger with such magnificent ability in the air. He is like an old fashioned centre-forward.

"There are a lot of things in his favour to go on and become a legend. The answers will come in the next few years."

Real’s attempt to sign Ronaldo is now ‘dead’

Real’s attempt to sign Ronaldo is now ‘dead’

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has denied the existence of any agreement by which Manchester United will sell Cristiano Ronaldo to the Primera Liga champions at the end of this season. Spanish newspaper reports had claimed that a Real director had been overheard talking about the alleged accord, prompting a furious response from United manager Sir Alex Ferguson who said he “wouldn’t sell a virus” to the Madrid club.


“It’s absolutely false that there is any agreement with Manchester United on that subject, about which I am already tired,” Calderon said. “The issue is completely dead and that’s why I don’t want to talk about it any more. Manchester did not agree to sell Ronaldo to Real Madrid last summer. From that moment Real Madrid had other goals.”

Ryan Giggs, meanwhile, is crossing his fingers the draining effects of jet-lag do not have a negative influence on United’s hopes of a Premier League title hat-trick. United appeared to show no ill-effects on Thursday, booking a place in tomorrow’s World Club Cup final against Liga de Quito at the expense of Gamba Osaka.

Yet Giggs confirmed both he and a number of his team-mates were still struggling with sleep deprivation. He said: “I hope it won’t have a knock-on effect to our title defence. We don’t know how it will affect us next Friday [against Stoke]. It has been quite difficult over here. I have not slept much, four or five hours sleep a night really.

“You just have to prepare the best you can. It is a bit of a problem. We have a squad big enough to handle the games and we hope that, come that game against Stoke, we have got over it.”

James Lawton: Ferguson's feud with Madrid at odds with clubs' real traditions

James Lawton: Ferguson's feud with Madrid at odds with clubs' real traditions

In case we had forgotten, Sir Alex Ferguson has reminded us of his viperous tongue. He can make the invective of even, say, Jose Mourinho seem like the petty effusions of the chattering class. The coach of United's Champions League opponents Internazionale has his moments, of course, but when you are wounded by Ferguson, well, you stay wounded – just ask Kevin Keegan.


Ferguson is the nonpareil of insult. His sound bites are so often laced with poisonous intent, and magnificent scorn, they sometimes seem to constitute nothing less than a river of venom. However, he will do well to improve on the barb he fired at Real Madrid this week.

"I wouldn't sell them a virus," he declared after the latest suggestion from the Spanish capital that Cristiano Ronaldo's move there next season is a done deal.

In Ferguson's world there are no shadings of affiliation. You are either a friend or an enemy and even in the jungle of football nothing is more capricious than either status. But then who can blame him for levelling his disdain at Real Madrid and their president Ramon Calderon?

In the Ronaldo affair Real have behaved with about as many scruples as the pickpockets who used to infest the alleyways around the Plaza Mayor. They have coveted a player belonging to another club and they have gone for him with a shameless lack of propriety. You have to wonder who they think they are. Manchester United, perhaps.

Of course the Ronaldo business has been disgusting in what it says about so many modern clubs and modern players and maybe what was so striking, and in its way, shocking about Ferguson's outburst was that it perfectly illustrated the chasm that now exists between how football is today and how it used to be.

This is underlined most graphically by the fact that recent exchanges between the two clubs, whose histories are so superbly entwined in the development of the European game, would have filled with horror the men who did most to make them what they were and what we like to think they remain today.

In this we need to travel back 50 years to the palatial office of Real Madrid's legendary president and former player, Santiago Bernabeu.

He is receiving a visit from a great rival and friend who cannot walk without the help of a stick and whose face reflects not only the ravages of near-death experience but the loss of young players he had come to regard as sons.

His name, of course, is Matt Busby. He explains to Bernabeu the extent of the crisis at Old Trafford following the Munich air tragedy. Not only is the place racked by the deepest grief, there is also the more practical fear that, with paltry insurance and slender financial resources, United, for all their prestige and romance, might go under. Busby is in Madrid to plead for help from the club who had set all the standards in European competition. Could Real come to Manchester to play a friendly game that would not only raise vitally needed funds but also serve as a gesture towards an uncertain future?

Bernabeu says: "Matt, you are my friend and whatever help you want you need only ask."

Real Madrid played a series of friendlies with United over the years, they brought the great players Alfredo di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas and through them a new generation of United players were reacquainted with the football greatness that had been shed so tragically on the snowy airfield in Munich.

Nobby Stiles recalls, as though it was yesterday, the night he eavesdropped on a fierce row between Di Stefano and Puskas as they came out of their dressing room for the second half of a match in which the Hungarian's commitment had been less than that desired by his Argentine team-mate.

Stiles says: "The match was at Old Trafford in 1961, one of a series arranged between the clubs. Busby used the games to familiarise United players with the level of performance that was required if we were to get back to the standards that were being achieved before Munich. They were friendlies in name only. They were really a test of how far we had come, and how far we might go. As the club was being rebuilt, Real Madrid seemed to be the measuring stick – and here was Di Stefano, one of the most admired players in the world, saying that every match mattered, every time you went on the field you represented so many more people than just yourself."

Perhaps, though, the most damning reflection of the meaning of today's relations between arguably Europe's two most important clubs comes in another memory, this time of Sir Bobby Charlton. It is particularly relevant to the question of Ronaldo and the body language that has said so relentlessly that he would rather be some place else. Charlton felt at least a breath of Real's interest in the early Sixties, reporting: "I had reason to believe that Real Madrid might try to persuade United to let me go. Santiago Bernabeu, the president, was always very friendly when I saw him and he sent a present when Norma and I were married in 1961. Given the aura of Real, and all they meant to me as representatives of beautiful football, it was extremely flattering but the Old Man [Busby] knew better than anyone that my vows to United, in the context of football, were as strong as the ones I had made to my wife."

Imagine that. Imagine a time when the greatest young players of the day happily bought a virus called loyalty and respect. Tough, isn't it?

Would Allardyce be given more time had he been a gentleman of Verona?

"What if I'd been called Sam Allardicci?" the new manager of Blackburn Rovers once mused. Better still, what if he'd been called Capello or Ferguson or Stein? Bolton Wanderers might now be European champions, with Newcastle barking at their heels.

One of the older truths of football, of course, is that it never permits you to live on the back of past deeds. In the context of Bolton, Allardyce (right), no doubt, did a superb job. He missed a beat at Newcastle, as did his predecessor at Blackburn, Paul Ince, and in all of sport these days nowhere are forgiveness and faith harder to find than in a Premier League club threatened with the financial oblivion of relegation.

This is the reality facing the big man as he seeks to restore his reputation. You do the job at a faster rate than any generation of football managers has ever done before or you go. It's not pretty, it might not even be fair, but it is how it is. You take the money – and what money – and your chance. The old scribe Bill Shakespeare had it right. With the right results, a thorny old rose of a manager would smell as sweet at Ewood Park by any other home come the spring.

Kilburn fills Yuletide with sweet breath of summer

Anyone looking for good companionship in the Christmas bunker, should consider the company of Brough Scott, the late J M Kilburn and Jonathan Wilson.

If you were looking for jolly company in a cricket press box, Kilburn of the Yorkshire Post was probably not your man. In fact, a better bet was the dinner table of the nearest Benedictine monastery. However, when he was stonily ignoring the questions posed by the garrulous freelance Dick Williamson – "nar then, nar then, who was the only Yorkshire skipper to tour Australia without playing a Test match?" (see below) – he was writing the most beautiful prose. The best of it has been gathered together in Sweet Summers: The Classic Cricket Writing of J M Kilburn (Great Northern Books, £16.99), and continues to sparkle like rocks of carefully spooned ice.

Brough Scott's amiability would, of course, grace any corner of sport, as the constable who encountered him while he was in a dinner suit and a merry condition riding a bike over Chelsea bridge will attest, and his Of Horses and Heroes: A Racing Tribute (Highdown, £20), sees him at his passionate best. The beautiful animals stride off the pages.

Jonathan Wilson may not be Albert Einstein and he may not have surpassed the theory of relativity. However, in Inverting the Pyramid: The History of Football Tactics (Orion, £18.99), he has come impressively close, writing a book on the history of football tactics which not only doesn't pitch you into a coma by the second page but manages to be both warm and fascinating.

Calderon - We still respect United

Calderon - We still respect United

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has rubbished reports that they have an agreement in place to take Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo to the Bernabeu next summer, insisting the issue is "totally dead".

It was claimed in a Spanish newspaper earlier this week that a Madrid director, Pedro Trapote, was quoted as saying there was an agreement in place for Madrid to sign the Ballon D'Or winner at the end of the season, to which Ferguson responded on Thursday: "I would not sell them a virus."

Calderon has dismissed the possibility of a deal having been struck for Ronaldo though, telling the club`s website, www.realmadrid.com: "Manchester United did not accept the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid this summer. From this moment Real Madrid focused on other objectives."

The Madrid supremo also responded to Sir Alex Ferguson's latest attack of the Spanish giants by claiming they would not be entering into a mud-slinging contest with the Old Trafford outfit.

"It is absolutely false that there exists any agreement with Manchester United about this business, of which I am tired. The matter is totally dead and as such I don't want to talk about it anymore."

Calderon, who has been the target of most of Ferguson's ire, also responded to the latest comments made by the Red Devils boss about Madrid.

"Our club's code of conduct does not include insults, contempt, or a lack of respect to our opponents. Maybe for this reason Real Madrid are respected in all corners of the world," Calderon said.

"It is sad that a professional with the career of Mr Ferguson can make declarations like these, in addition to some of the other unfortunate things in the last few months.

"Despite that, Real Madrid will never respond with a lack of respect to Manchester United, to any of their directors, nor of course to their fans, for whom everyone has the greatest of respect."

United to face Inter in Champions League

United to face Inter in Champions League

European champions Manchester United and rivals Liverpool were handed mouth-watering ties against Inter Milan and Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 today.


The draw pits United against Jose Mourinho's Italian giants Inter while Liverpool will take on nine-times winners Real, a club repeatedly linked with Reds boss Rafael Benitez.

Chelsea also face an intriguing reunion with former manager Claudio Ranieri after being paired with Juventus while Arsenal take on Roma.

Mourinho enjoyed success at Old Trafford during his time as Porto boss and then developed a strong rivalry with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson after moving to Chelsea.

There had been a possibility that United could draw Spanish champions Real, with whom tensions are high due to their pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo, but Liverpool landed that prize.

It will be Liverpool's second visit to the Spanish capital this season after playing Atletico Madrid in the group stages.

Ranieri guided Chelsea to the semi-finals of the competition in 2004 but made way for Mourinho at Stamford Bridge later that year.


Manchester United's communications director Phil Townsend said the draw was a good one for the Old Trafford club and offered the chance to gain revenge on Mourinho, five years on from their loss against his Porto side at the same stage of the competition.


"It's a very exciting draw. We've only met Inter once before in the Champions League and we got through then, and maybe it's a good omen because it was in 1999 and we ended up winning the tournament," he said.


"We'll be trying to put one over on Jose this time and get the result the fans want and the club wants."


Chelsea secretary David Barnard was pleased with the draw as the Blues look to go one better than last year's runners-up finish.


Barnard told Sky Sports News: "Any team at this stage of the competition is obviously quality but it could have been a lot worse, maybe Barcelona.


"It obviously brings back Claudio Ranieri to the Bridge and I am sure Claudio will get a good reception from the Chelsea supporters.


"In Claudio's last season we actually reached the semi-finals and the Champions League means a lot to him and Chelsea."


The draw is as follows

Inter Milan vs. Manchester United

Arsenal vs. AS Roma

Villarreal vs. Panathinaikos

Lyon vs. Barcelona

Real Madrid vs. Liverpool

Sporting Lisbon vs. Bayern Munich

Atletico Madrid vs. FC Porto

Chelsea vs. Juventus

FERGIE VOWS TO IGNORE MADRID

FERGIE VOWS TO IGNORE MADRID

Sir Alex Ferguson has vowed to ignore whatever noises come out of Real Madrid over the next few months no matter how frustrated or angry he gets.

The Manchester United boss awoke in Japan on Thursday to news that in a leaked conversation, a Real Madrid director had claimed a deal had been done to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.

It was not a surprise to the Scot. He expected such talk to surface ahead of next month's transfer window just as he felt Real would step up their interest in Ronaldo when close friend Gabriel Heinze left United for the Bernabeu last year.

And, after a bit of soul searching, Ferguson has come to the conclusion it is not worth bothering about.

"We just have to ignore it," he said.

"If we worry about what Real Madrid have to say we are not concentrating on our own publicity and the programme of difficult games we have got coming up.

"Sometimes they create an angry situation and sometimes I get really annoyed with them. But we know their game. I think we should play ours and ignore them."

Not that Ferguson could resist a quite brilliant put-down of Real when asked whether the stories of a transfer being concluded were true.

"Do you think I would enter into a contract with that mob?" he said.

"No chance. I would not sell them a virus.

"That is a no by the way. There is no agreement whatsoever between the clubs."

Ferguson's outspoken comments have added a fascinating sub-plot to Friday's Champions League draw, with Real one of five potential knock-out round opponents for the Old Trafford outfit.

The pairings will certainly draw attention away from a Club World Cup final meeting with LDU Quito - Ronaldo one of the goal-scorers in United's 5-3 semi-final spectacular with J League side Gamba Osaka yesterday.

Ronaldo doubled United's lead after Nemanja Vidic had put them in front with a trademark header.

But the real fun began once Wayne Rooney was introduced 18 minutes from time.

The England forward scored with virtually his first touch immediately after Gamba had pulled a goal back.

Darren Fletcher got his name on the scoresheet before Rooney struck again, only for Gamba to grab two goals themselves at the death.

GIGGS HOPES RETURN IS PLANE SAILING

GIGGS HOPES RETURN IS PLANE SAILING

Ryan Giggs is crossing his fingers the draining effects of jet-lag do not have a negative influence on Manchester United's dreams of a Premier League title hat-trick.

The Red Devils appeared to show no ill-effects on Thursday night, booking a place in the Club World Cup final at the expense of Gamba Osaka.

Yet Giggs confirmed both he and a number of his team-mates are still struggling with sleep deprivation.

It should not be much of a factor on Sunday, when the Red Devils take on Ecuador's LDU Quito for the right to be crowned world number one.

But the worry is a return journey of over 12 hours and the readjustment to Greenwich Mean Time may cause similar problems to the ones United have encountered in the Far East when they return to face Stoke at the Britannia Stadium on Boxing Day.

Giggs said: "I hope it won't have a knock-on effect to our title defence. We don't know how it will affect us next Friday.

"It has been quite difficult over here. I have not slept much, four or five hours sleep a night really.

"You just have to prepare the best we you can. It is a bit of a problem. Overall the team looked fit and sharp.

"We have a squad big enough to handle the games over the Christmas period and we just hope come that game against Stoke we have got over the jet-lag."

Giggs will also hope the renewed fuss over Cristiano Ronaldo's future has died down by the time United return to England.

Although there was a 50% chance of the Red Devils landing the Spanish giants towards the end of the Champions League draw, there is another Portugal legend to focus on now United know Jose Mourinho is heading to Old Trafford.

Mourinho's presence should take some of the heat off Ronaldo, who Real claim they have an agreement to sign.

Giggs decided not to take the Ferguson line of 'I wouldn't sell them a virus' but he is adamant the 23-year-old is in the best place to further his career.

"All this is nothing new," said the former Wales captain.

"It has been going on for over a year now. Players get on with it.

"You want your top players at the club. I am sure that will continue to be the case. We feel he is at the best place."

With the Premier League and Champions League trophies already won, the Ballon D'Or and FIFPro world player of the year trophies collected and the FIFA prize expected to be heading his way as well next month, Ronaldo could round off a spectacular 2008 by winning on Sunday.

It is hardly a surprise Quito have made it through, even though, with the giants of Brazil and Argentina missing, there was a feeling the South American challengers could be vulnerable.

United have already started doing their homework and had a presence at Wednesday's semi-final in Tokyo when Quito eased past Mexican outfit Pachuca.

"They are a typical South American team," said Ferguson. "Quito are competitive and mobile and they can defend well.

"It won't be an easy match for us but it is a world championship final and we want to win it."

Ferguson has confirmed his intention to make changes to his starting line-up, with Wayne Rooney among those set to come in and Edwin van der Sar part of the group likely to miss out.

United must await a fitness update on Dimitar Berbatov before learning whether the Bulgarian will be involved with Ferguson admitting, defensively at least, his team must do better.

"We were a bit slow covering our defensive positions, which is possibly because we are still adjusting to the time difference," he said.

"Hopefully by Sunday we will be in better physical shape and our performance will be better. It will have to be because in my experience it is always difficult playing South American teams."

Rooney's World Club Cup cameo has all the parts

Rooney's World Club Cup cameo has all the parts

Gamba Osaka 3 Manchester United 5

By Simon Stone at the Yokohama International Stadium

Wayne Rooney featured for only the final 17 minutes as Manchester United eased their way into the final of World Club Cup yesterday but in that time he scored twice and once again raised questions about his temperament with a booking for a foul on Gamba Osaka's Michihiro Yasuda.

United, who will face Liga de Quito in the final on Sunday, had already established superiority over Gamba yesterday thanks to first-half headers from Nemanja Vidic and Cristiano Ronaldo. But Rooney's arrival led to a frenzied spell of six goals in 17 minutes, the striker scoring either side of a Darren Fletcher effort.

The laudable objective of this tournament is to gather each continent's top team in one place to show off their respective talents. Unfortunately, there is a serious flaw in Fifa's plan as the European and South American sides are traditionally superior to everyone else.

As winners of the Asian Champions League, Gamba did not need to be exposed to such high-class opposition to know that defending at set pieces is fairly essential in the modern game. The Japanese side had actually started quite brightly, although United had begun to get on top when Ronaldo won a right-wing corner. Ryan Giggs took it and found Vidic at the far post, the Serbian defender guiding his header beyond goalkeeper Yosuke Fujigaya.

If Anderson, who has yet to score in 56 appearances for United since his arrival from Porto last year, had been equally clinical when Ronaldo picked him out on the edge of the six-yard area shortly afterwards, the contest would have been virtually over.

Instead Ronaldo himself made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time, powering home his 10th goal of the season, and his first in five weeks, from a Giggs cross. Given that Rooney was only a substitute as Sir Alex Ferguson opted not to take a chance with his fitness, and Dimitar Berbatov remained in bed with a virus, it was an adequate return on the opening 45 minutes, especially as some United players were still suffering from jet lag.

United's second goal took the competitive edge away from a second half that was more akin to the pre-season games they have played in the Far East over the past few years. That all changed, though, when Rooney was introduced. Before he had even touched the ball, Gamba pulled one back through Masato Yamazaki. But it proved to be just the prelude to a blistering spell of United attacking, in which Fletcher nodded in either side of a Rooney double.

First, the England forward shrugged off Sota Nakazawa to finish, then he collected Giggs' pass and slotted home. Rooney was then booked for an unseemly foul on Yasuda before Yasuhito Endo scored with a calm penalty after a handball decision had gone against Gary Neville. There was still time for another Gamba goal from Hideo Hashimoto, although it not affect the final outcome.

Gamba Osaka (4-4-2): Fujigaya; Kaji, Nakazawa, Yamaguchi, Endo; Michihiro Yasuda, Myojin, Hashimoto, Bando (Terada, 85); Lucas, Yamazaki. Substitutes not used: Matsuyo (gk), Shimohira, Futagawa, Kurata, Takei, Roneliton.

Manchester United (4-4-1-1): Van der Sar; Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic (Evans, 69), Evra; Nani, Anderson, Scholes (Fletcher, 67), Giggs; Ronaldo; Tevez (Rooney, 73). Substitutes not used: Kuszczak (gk), Rafael, O'Shea, Carrick, Gibson, Park, Welbeck, Amos.

Referee: B A Tellez (Mexico).

Ronaldo very happy at United

Ronaldo very happy at United

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he is "very happy" at Manchester United despite being again linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Comments from Real director Pedro Trapote have been greeted with disdain at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson claiming 'I wouldn't sell them a virus' following his team's 5-3 Club World Cup victory over Gamba Osaka.

Ronaldo said: "I don't care what people are saying."

He added: "I have not read it. I am here in Japan and I know nothing about what is going on around me.

"But I am very happy playing for Manchester United."

After the intense speculation that surrounded him last summer, it seems Ronaldo must once again get used to being the centre of attention.

The Ballon D'Or winner preferred to talk about his goalscoring contribution to United's latest triumph.

After heading home a Ryan Giggs corner in first-half stoppage time, Ronaldo has moved into double figures for the season.

As he prepares to be confirmed as the best player in the world at a glitzy FIFA ceremony next month, Ronaldo confirmed life at the moment is going well.

"It would mean a lot for me to be a world champion," he said. "It would be fantastic to win this trophy - and now there is a good chance, not just from a personal perspective but for Manchester United."

FERGIE SLAMS MADRID `MOB`

FERGIE SLAMS MADRID `MOB`

Sir Alex Ferguson has launched a stinging attack on Real Madrid's claims they have done a deal to sign Cristiano Ronaldo and vowed: "I would not sell you a virus."

The Manchester United manager thought he had put an end to immediate speculation over Ronaldo's future plans when he talked the Ballon D'Or winner into staying at Old Trafford last summer.

In recent times conciliatory messages have been coming out of the Bernabeu which suggested they would turn their attentions elsewhere, having established United are not willing to part with their star man.

However, the calm waters have been rocked again after bold claims from Real director Pedro Trapote who said the deal to sign Ronaldo had been agreed.

The initial private reaction was terse and to the point. Now Ferguson has gone public with an amazing attack which left no doubt he would not be doing business with Real now, next summer, or at any time in the future.

"Do you think I would enter into a contract with that mob?" he said.

"No chance. I would not sell them a virus.

"That is a 'no' by the way. There is no agreement whatsoever between the clubs."

Although Ferguson was eventually guided away from the subject, he still managed to outline his view on Real's strategy, which the United boss feels is being influenced by Ronaldo's close friend Gabriel Heinze, who joined Real from the Red Devils last year after he was denied his preferred choice of a move to Liverpool.

Ferguson knows the speculation will not stop. However, he wants to try to concentrate on his own team.

"Real blame anybody but themselves," he said.

"I said to (chief executive) David Gill a year last summer when we sold Gabriel Heinze he could bet his life this stuff will all start up around Ronaldo in January. It will happen again this January.

"We just have to ignore it. If we worry about what Real Madrid have to say we are not concentrating on our own publicity and the programme of difficult games we have got coming up.

"Sometimes they create an angry situation and sometimes I get really annoyed with them. But we know their game. I think we should play ours and ignore them."

Ferguson's outspoken comments have added a fascinating sub-plot to tomorrow's Champions League draw, with Real one of five potential knock-out round opponents for the Old Trafford outfit.

The pairings will certainly draw attention away from the Club World Cup final meeting with LDU Quito; Ronaldo one of the goalscorers in United's 5-3 semi-final spectacular with J.League side Gamba Osaka.

Ronaldo doubled United's lead after Nemanja Vidic had put them in front with a trademark header.

But the real fun began once Wayne Rooney was introduced 18 minutes from time.

The England forward scored with virtually his first touch immediately after Gamba had pulled a goal back.

Darren Fletcher got his name on the scoresheet before Rooney struck again, only for Gamba to grab two goals themselves at the death.

"I think Wayne can be a number nine," said Ferguson of Rooney's ability to play in a more direct attacking role.

"We are trying to develop him that way. We have tried to play him there for most of the season.

"His movement, strength and penetration are very good. For the third goal that really killed them he made two runs, across and back and across and behind. They were really clever.

"It marks out the quality he can give you in that position and he will improve from there."

Ferguson has vowed to make changes for the Quito encounter - the normal Europe versus South America clash to decide the world number one.

It will be the last game Patrice Evra is eligible for until January 11, following the four-match ban imposed on him by the FA for violent conduct in the post-match fracas at Chelsea last season.

In their conclusions, which have been made public, the FA blamed Evra for starting the trouble, while condemning the evidence offered by, among others, Ferguson's assistant Mike Phelan, who was described as unreliable and unimpressive.

"To go through what they have said would take up too much time," said Ferguson.

"As I have said before, we are disappointed. I don't think what the FA have done is very clever."

Real Ronaldo claims rile Ferguson

Real Ronaldo claims rile Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has hit out at Real Madrid over claims Manchester United have agreed to sell Cristiano Ronaldo to the Spanish giants.

Real director Pedro Trapote reportedly told Spanish newspaper El Mundo a deal had been struck, adding: "There are clauses keeping us from announcing it."

But Ferguson insisted there was no such agreement with Real, saying he "wouldn't sell them a virus".

He added: "Would I get into a contract with that mob? Absolutely no chance."

Speaking after his side beat Gamba Osaka in the Club World Cup in Japan, the United boss reacted furiously to the latest.

"I wouldn't sell them a virus - that's a no. There's no agreement whatsoever between the clubs.


"Over the five years he has been with us, we have seen him develop into the player he is today"
Sir Alex Ferguson on Cristiano Ronaldo

"I said to David Gill a year last summer, when we sold Gabby Heinze, you can bet your life in January it will all start up with Ronaldo again. It'll happen again this January, believe me.

"We've just got to ignore it because if we keep worrying about what Real are going to say then we are not going to concentrate on our own programme of difficult games coming up.

"Sometimes it can be an angry situation and sometimes we are really annoyed with them, but we know the game and I think we should just play our game and ignore it all."

Ronaldo has also responded to the claims saying he is happy to stay at Old Trafford and is unaware of Real's reported interest.

"I don't care. I don't see newspapers," he said. "We are out here in Japan and I don't know nothing, what's happened around me.

"I am very happy (at Man Utd), very happy."

Trapote, understood to be very close to club president Ramon Calderon, had gone on record to tell El Mundo: "We have already signed our top target for next summer.

"Is it Cristiano Ronaldo? It is Cristiano, there is no-one else. The thing is, it is better not to say anything right now."

BBC Manchester's Steve Wyeth, who is out in Japan following United's progress at the World Club Cup, had earlier said the news has been greeted with anger by United officials.

"It's been strongly dismissed, and with pretty colourful language," said Wyeth.

The latest twist in the Real Madrid-Ronaldo story could well open wounds between the clubs following the acrimonious dealings between United and the Spanish giants over the summer.

Real's public pursuit of the 23-year-old ended with United complaining to Fifa over their conduct, with Ferguson claiming they had shown "a lack of morals".

The case was dismissed because of a lack of evidence, and Ronaldo later told Spanish sports paper Marca in October that he is "with Manchester in body and soul".

Ronaldo, this year's Ballon D'Or winner, is currently contracted at Old Trafford until 2012 and Ferguson has been delighted with his improvement since arriving at Old Trafford as a raw teenager in 2003.

"Over the five years he has been with us, we have seen him develop into the player he is today," he added.

"He always had certain attributes that pointed him towards the very top - his amazing skill, his speed and his courage. In the time he has been with us, he has developed his decision-making.

"As a kid he played centre-forward for Sporting Lisbon and our people in Portugal kept telling us that 'this boy is a great goalscorer.'

"When he first came to us, we couldn't see that. All of a sudden he just blossomed and last season he got 42.

"That is a measure of a young person wanting to do well, to improve himself by his own determination and ambition to practise all the time."

REAL CLAIM RONALDO DEAL

REAL CLAIM RONALDO DEAL

A Real Madrid director has been quoted as claiming Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed to join the Spanish giants in the summer.

El Mundo Deportivo, a Barcelona-based sports paper, quotes Pedro Trapote as saying a deal is already tied up, comments that are unlikely to go down well with Alex Ferguson.

"If you are asking me what we are going to do now then I would tell you that we have already signed the best player for the summer," Trapote is quoted as saying.

"The best of the best. It is Cristiano, there is no other. It is better that we do not say anything at the moment, though.

"It is best to not say anything because there are some clauses that prevent us from announcing it. For us, it would be a good time, but we should not do that. But it is not bad, eh?"

Whether Trapote's claims are genuine or not is open for debate. While president Ramon Calderon was never reluctant to comment on Real's summer pursuit of Ronaldo, if they really did have a deal tied up with Ronaldo it seems unlikely they would announce it now, however covertly.

Furthermore, The Times suggests that Real may simply wish to distract attention from their disastrous start to the season, which currently leaves them in seventh place in La Liga, behind even local rivals Atletico.

Ferguson is likely to be furious at what will be seen as the latest attempt to unsettle Ronaldo, who hesistated for most of the summer before finally committing his future to the club.

Man Utd's Japanese adventure

Man Utd's Japanese adventure

Anyone who has seen the Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray film Lost in Translation will have an idea of what Manchester United are going through on their trip to Japan for the Fifa Club World Cup this week.

The experience so far has been about as close as you could imagine to visiting an alien planet, without leaving the earth's gravitational pull.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson certainly suffered - albeit with a great deal of humour - a few moments worthy of a scene in Sofia Coppola's Oscar winner at his first news conference.

Those familiar with the film will recall the perplexed look on the face of Bob Harris (played by Murray) at the filming of his commercial as the complex instructions from his Japanese director are conveyed to him in but a few, brief words of English.

Here we were treated to a mirror image as Ferguson's concise answers to routine questions were made to seem like whole chapters from War and Peace by the time Fifa's Japanese translator had worked her magic.

United will have to acclimatise to the shock to the senses that accompany Thursday's Club World Cup semi-final against Gamba Osaka.

That said, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rio Ferdinand and co are unlikely to have to tackle a public transport system so complicated I found myself relying on the goodwill of the locals to get from A to B.

And unlike the rest of us who are struggling to cope with the jet lag, United's players are being sympathetically eased into their visit.

Training on the first evening lasted a mere 45 minutes (although it was enthusiastically monitored, like their every other move, by a swarm of locals) and the following day's breakfast was served at one in the afternoon.

But the body clocks are set to take a battering, with the United players switching back to UK time on Friday - two days before their second game in Japan. That's because they have a Premier League game against Stoke on Boxing Day.

The Club World Cup represents another chance for Ferguson to add to the mountains of silverware he has already delivered to Old Trafford. But how significant would this one be?

The cynic in me questions just how seriously you can take a competition where three of the seven teams had been eliminated before United even touched down in Tokyo.

One of those to be eliminated, Waitakere of New Zealand, are only part-time while another, Adelaide United, earned their right at a (very long) shot at the title by losing the Asian Champions League final 5-0 on aggregate to Gamba.

Ferguson, despite having to postpone a Premier League match for the privilege of being here, said he would treat the tournament with respect, pointing to its significance elsewhere.

And it is not often teams from around the world get to play illustrious visitors from Europe and South America, other than on their money-spinning pre-season tours.

Unfortunately, midfielder Paul Scholes obviously did not get the same hymn sheet, voicing his belief before departure that the players would be better off at home, concentrating on domestic matters.

Hopefully United, and the rest of us, will have adapted to life in Yokohama before Thursday's opener.

Although, I recall Bob Harris's experiences weren't all bad. Didn't he have Scarlett Johansson for company on those long, sleepless nights?

Rooney escapes Uefa sanction over 'stamp'

Rooney escapes Uefa sanction over 'stamp'

Wayne Rooney will not face any disciplinary action over an apparent stamp on Aalborg's Kasper Risgard last week. The European governing body Uefa decided not to charge Rooney after studying video evidence of the incident in the clubs' 2-2 Champions League draw on Wednesday.


Aalborg midfielder Risgard claimed Rooney should have been sent off after "jumping" on his chest and leaving marks on his body during an ugly tangle four minutes before half time. Rooney (right) could have faced a suspension for the two legs of United's first knockout stage round had Uefa's control and disciplinary body decided to take action on an incident which was not seen by French referee Laurent Duhamel but was still assessed using video evidence.

There was further relief for United, settling into their team hotel in Japan yesterday ahead of their World Club Championship matches, when it emerged that Cristiano Ronaldo would not face disciplinary action despite kicking out at Michael Dawson, the Tottenham Hotspur defender, at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

Ronaldo appeared to flick his boot at Dawson after being tackled in the goalless draw, and although referee Mike Dean, who did not take action during the game, has looked at the incident, the FA will not take further action. "We contacted the referee, who has also confirmed he would not have sent the player off for violent conduct had he seen it," an FA spokesman said. "On that basis, no further action will be taken."

The club's chief executive David Gill rejected suggestions that the World Club Championship is merely an opportunity to field squad players. "We are taking it very seriously," he said.

Ronaldo escapes disciplinary action

Ronaldo escapes disciplinary action

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo will not face any disciplinary action after kicking out at Tottenham's Michael Dawson at the weekend.


Ronaldo was seen to aim a little flick at Dawson after being tackled in Saturday's goalless Barclays Premier League draw at White Hart Lane.

Referee Mike Dean, who did not take action during the game, has looked at the incident but has not deemed it serious.

A Football Association spokesman said: "We contacted the referee, who confirmed he didn't see the incident at the time and, having reviewed footage, he has also confirmed he would not have sent the player off for violent conduct had he seen it.

"On that basis, no further action will be taken."

Ronaldo could face Real Madrid

Ronaldo could face Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo could line up against Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League after Manchester United secured top spot in their group last night while the Spanish giants could only finish as runners-up in their pool.

The 23-year-old Portugal winger, the subject of much publicised but ultimately unsuccessful interest from Madrid over the summer, sat out last night's game with a hip injury as the Red Devils secured first place in Group E.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side could only manage a 2-2 draw at home to Aalborg but it was, nevertheless, a record-equalling 19th unbeaten Champions League game and earns them home advantage for the second leg of the first knockout round next spring.

The prospect of playing the Spanish champions in the last 16 was brought to Ferguson's attention last night after his side assured top spot.

The Scot has been at loggerheads for most of the year with Madrid over their pursuit of Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo, with president Ramon Calderon singled out for most of Ferguson's ire.

"That would be a nice party wouldn't it?" he said of a potential trip to the Bernabeu in late February.

"I look forward to tea and biscuits with Ramon Calderon."

Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Sporting Lisbon and Lyon are other possible opponents for the holders after all finished second in their respective groups.

Madrid, who thumped UEFA Cup holders Zenit St Petersburg 3-0 at the Bernabeu last night in Juande Ramos' first game at the helm, missed out to Juventus for top spot in Group H despite the Bianconeri being held to a goalless draw by minnows BATE Borisov.

Other than a potential clash with United in the last 16, former Sevilla and Tottenham coach Ramos faces the possibility of meeting three competition winners over the past eight years in Liverpool (2005), Porto (2004) and Bayern Munich (2001) as well as Sporting Lisbon, Roma or Panathinaikos.

Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic admitted he would prefer to see his side drawn against the Greek outfit.

"I don't want to be disrespectful to anybody, because they are all great teams and they have proven it, but if I had to chose one, perhaps it would be Panathinaikos," he said.

Pana pipped Inter to the number one position in Group B on Tuesday night with a 1-0 home victory over Anorthosis Famagusta while Jose Mourinho's side lost 2-1 at Werder Bremen.

Mourinho could next find his troops up against his former team Porto, who he led to Champions League glory four years ago before immediately departing for Chelsea.

The Portuguese could also potentially be set to return to another former stomping ground in Barcelona, where he worked as an interpreter in the early 1990s. The Spanish champions topped Group C despite Tuesday's 3-2 defeat at home to Shakhtar Donetsk.

Another possibility facing Inter in the December 19 draw in Nyon will be a tie against Liverpool, with whom Mourinho faced many a battle during his three-year stint at Stamford Bridge, although a draw against Chelsea is not on the agenda just yet.

The Blues clawed their way past CFR Cluj 2-1 on Tuesday but Roma's 2-0 triumph over Bordeaux saw the Eternal City giants cling on to first place in Group A.

Last season's beaten finalists Chelsea are looking at playing Pana, Barcelona, Bayern, Porto or Claudio Ranieri's Juve in the last 16.

For Pep Guardiola's Barca, the only possible opponents other than Chelsea and Inter are Arsenal and French champions Lyon.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists his side fear nobody, despite last night's 2-0 defeat at Porto seeing the Gunners slip to second in Group G.

"We can fight with everybody in Europe and can qualify against anybody," said the Frenchman, whose team face a first knockout-round meeting with one of Barca, Roma, Panathinaikos, Bayern or Juve.

Ronaldo heads World Player of the Year shortlist

Ronaldo heads World Player of the Year shortlist

Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo could be in line for another major honour after being included on the shortlist for the Fifa World Player of the Year award.


The Portugal and Manchester United winger has been nominated alongside Barcelona duo Lionel Messi and Xavi, AC Milan playmaker Kaka and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.

The players have been put forward by the coaches and captains of national teams from around the world.

Ronaldo was third in last year's FIFA vote behind Brazilian winner Kaka and Argentinian Messi but is the overwhelming favourite to see off those two to take the award for 2008, which is presented in Zurich on 12 January.

The Portuguese achieved phenomenal success individually and as part of a team last season, winning the Premier League and Champions League with United while scoring 42 goals.

Xavi and Torres enjoyed impressive seasons with their respective clubs but feature among the five largely due to their success at Euro 2008 with Spain.

Kaka, who has failed to impress with Brazil recently while winning no silverware with AC Milan, is regarded as the rank outsider while Messi's individual brilliance is tempered by a lack of trophies in the last 18 months.

This is the first year five players, rather than three, have been named on the shortlist.

England's Kelly Smith features on the women's shortlist but faces stiff competition from Brazilian pair Marta and Cristiane and Germany's Birgit Prinz and Nadine Angerer.

Ronaldo up for more silverware

Ronaldo up for more silverware

Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo could be in line for another major honour after being included on the shortlist for the FIFA World Player of the Year award.

The Portugal and Manchester United winger has been nominated alongside Barcelona duo Lionel Messi and Xavi, AC Milan playmaker Kaka and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.

The players have been put forward by the coaches and captains of national teams from around the world.

Ronaldo was third in last year's FIFA vote behind Brazilian winner Kaka and Argentinian Messi but is the overwhelming favourite to see off those two to take the award for 2008, which is presented in Zurich on January 12.

The Portuguese achieved phenomenal success individually and as part of a team last season, winning the Premier League and Champions League with United while scoring 42 goals.

Xavi and Torres enjoyed impressive seasons with their respective clubs but feature among the five largely due to their success at Euro 2008 with Spain.

Kaka, who has failed to impress with Brazil recently while winning no silverware with AC Milan, is regarded as the rank outsider while Messi's individual brilliance is tempered by a lack of trophies in the last 18 months.

This is the first year five players, rather than three, have been named on the shortlist.

England's Kelly Smith features on the women's shortlist but faces stiff competition from Brazilian pair Marta and Cristiane and Germany's Birgit Prinz and Nadine Angerer.

CALDERON: RONALDO TO BLAME FOR SAGA

CALDERON: RONALDO TO BLAME FOR SAGA

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon insists the Cristiano Ronaldo transfer saga was instigated by the player.

Real and Manchester United clashed over the newly crowned European Footballer of the Year, as the Spanish giants looked to clinch his signature in the summer.

Sir Alex Ferguson and United chiefs stood firm over Ronaldo and shunned Real at every turn.

Now Calderon insists that Real only pursued Ronaldo after the player made it clear he wanted to move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

"We have left that, it has been a very big story which we didn't provoke," Calderon told Sky Sports News.

"The player said he wanted to come here, a dream to come to Real Madrid and we received and we were happy to know that.

"After that I talked to Manchester but David Gill was very clear and said they didn't want to sell at all.

"We want to have a good relation with all the big clubs in Europe and Manchester is one of the best and I like to have a good relationship with them forever, and they said for the moment no."

Calderon added that he thought the media were to blame for much of the Ronaldo situation.

"I know the media in general to give excitement to their readers and listeners and Cristiano Ronaldo is a fantastic player and he has won the golden ball and I congratulate him on that and I wish him the best, anywhere he is going to be in the future."

CHARLTON BACKS RON FOR MORE GLORY

CHARLTON BACKS RON FOR MORE GLORY

Sir Bobby Charlton is confident Cristiano Ronaldo will become the first Manchester United player to lift the Ballon d'Or more than once.

Ronaldo became the fourth United man to collect the prestigious prize this month following his 42-goal contribution to the Red Devils triumphant Premier League and Champions League-winning campaign.

The 23-year-old joined an illustrious group that also includes Charlton, Denis Law and George Best.

And not only does the former England star believe Ronaldo is a worthy successor to the legacy left by United's famed Holy Trinity, he actually feels the Portugal winger will surpass it.

"It won't be the last one he wins," claimed Charlton.

"He is a fantastic player, head and shoulders above anyone else last year.

"I have had to shake his hand more than once for various awards he has won over the past year. He deserves every one.

"He has done it at such a young age and has the world ahead of him. He could be a fantastic player for the next 10 years."

The thought is enough to strike fear into the hearts of defenders across Europe and Charlton will be a proud man on Wednesday evening when he hands over the Ballon d'Or in front of the Old Trafford crowd ahead of the Champions League encounter with Aalborg.

With his own playing days in the past, Charlton gains pleasure following the fortunes of those charged with matching an illustrious past he did so much to create.

And Charlton admits he still feels a sense of nerve-tingling excitement when he senses Ronaldo is about to burst into life.

"I get excited by watching him," he said.

"If you are struggling a little bit he is a player who can turn a game with one bit of skill.

"I watch sometimes and see certain situations. But before I can even finish thinking about what he should do, he has done it."

Ronaldo has changed immeasurably from the player Charlton first watched as a schoolboy at a youth tournament.

Gone are the needless tricks. Hard work and patience on the training ground have taught him not just how to do the spectacular but when.

"He took my breath away then but he was over the top," recalled Charlton.

"Some of the things he did were just too much and wasn't really effective.

"He has learned when to do these things at the right time. And without doubt, he is still getting better."

In fact, so good has Ronaldo become that Charlton's own grandson wants to be just like him.

Although a fairly humble man anyway, it must feel slightly odd for one of the greatest players England has ever known to go for a kickabout in the garden and find himself facing a Ronaldo shimmy.

"When we go out in the back garden all my grandson wants to be is Ronaldo, with all the stepovers and tricks," he said.

"All kids do it because people love players who do something special. That is why Ronaldo gets compared to George Best so often.

"It is not bad for the game that kids are emulating skill like that."

Manchester United boosted by Ronaldo return

Manchester United boosted by Ronaldo return

Cristiano Ronaldo trained with his Manchester United team-mates this morning and could be involved in tomorrow's Champions League encounter with Danish minnows Aalborg at Old Trafford tomorrow.


Ronaldo limped off with what appeared to be a severe hip problem during the win over Sunderland on Saturday and seemed to be a major doubt for the European champions as they wrap up their Group E campaign.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has stated he intends to make changes, and the influx of a number of fringe players indicated Ronaldo might not be involved from the start anyway.

However, having the Ballon D'Or winner available is at least a bonus, especially as three points will be vital on Saturday when the Red Devils visit Tottenham.

Of his first-team squad, Michael Carrick, Patrice Evra and young striker Daniel Welbeck were not training this morning, meaning John O'Shea, who has been suffering from a hamstring injury, should be involved in some capacity.

RONALDO LOOKS SET TO MISS OUT

RONALDO LOOKS SET TO MISS OUT

Cristiano Ronaldo seems certain to miss Manchester United's Champions League encounter with Aalborg on Wednesday.

Ronaldo injured a hip in Saturday's win over Sunderland but although he has been able to train, Sir Alex Ferguson feels it would be better to let the Ballon D'Or winner have further treatment ahead of the weekend visit to Tottenham.

Michael Carrick is also out with a thigh injury, although the England international should also be fit to face his former club at White Hart Lane. Gary Neville and Ben Foster are set to start on Wednesday, while Paul Scholes is expected to be on the bench.

RONALDO: OLD TRAFFORD LIFE IS GREAT

RONALDO: OLD TRAFFORD LIFE IS GREAT

Cristiano Ronaldo seems certain to miss Manchester United's Champions League encounter with Aalborg on Wednesday.

Ronaldo injured a hip in Saturday's win over Sunderland but although he has been able to train, Sir Alex Ferguson feels it would be better to let the Ballon D'Or winner have further treatment ahead of the weekend visit to Tottenham.

Michael Carrick is also out with a thigh injury, although the England international should also be fit to face his former club at White Hart Lane. Gary Neville and Ben Foster are set to start on Wednesday, while Paul Scholes is expected to be on the bench.

Teams:

Manchester United (from): Foster, Kuszczak, Neville, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Evra, O'Shea, Ronaldo, Park, Fletcher, Scholes, Anderson, Giggs, Nani, Possebon, Gibson, Berbatov, Rooney, Tevez, Manucho.

Ronaldo hails his 'beautiful' triumph in Ballon d'Or

Ronaldo hails his 'beautiful' triumph in Ballon d'Or

Cristiano Ronaldo yesterday became the fourth Manchester United player to win the Ballon d'Or as European Footballer of the Year after a landslide victory in a poll of journalists organised by France Football magazine.


Ronaldo received 446 points out of a maximum 480 and finished well ahead of Barcelona's Lionel Messi (281) and Liverpool's Fernando Torres (179). After scoring 42 goals last season to help Manchester United to the double of Premier League and Champions League, and being voted Player of the Year by the Professional Footballers' Association and Football Writers' Association, Ronaldo was named as number one player by 77 of the 96 writers polled.

"It is one of the most beautiful days of my life. To gain this trophy is something I dreamed of as a child," Ronaldo said on learning that he follows Denis Law (1964), Bobby Charlton (1966) and George Best (1968) as winners while at Old Trafford. "Great emotion fills me but I cannot really describe it. To the people who mentioned my name, I say thank you. Thank you also to my team-mates."

Ronaldo, who is suspended for the Carling Cup tie against Blackburn tonight, was praised by his manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. "We are very proud. Manchester United had been waiting for this for 40 years. Cristiano is in the tradition of our three other Ballons d'Or. His award is beyond all possible dispute," Ferguson said.

Ronaldo retains focus despite accolade

Ronaldo retains focus despite accolade

Cristiano Ronaldo insists winning the Ballon d'Or award will not burden him with increased pressure to perform.

The Manchester United forward was handed the prestigious award on Tuesday to crown a phenomenal 12 months in which he scored 42 goals last season to help his club retain the Barclays Premier League title and win the Champions League.

And Ronaldo insists the accolade will only help to improve his performances, telling United's website and television channel: "I always play with pressure because people always expect a lot from me and I don't think that will change."

He added: "Winning this award makes me feel very happy inside because it's one of the best days of my life.

"But my responsibilities are still the same; I want to continue to play well for my club and my country and try to do as well as last season.

"Of course I can improve - there are many things I still need to learn.

"You can never let yourself think you know everything. I am still very ambitious and I will continue to work very hard every day.

"I know it will be very hard to better last season, but I will try - if you don't try you win nothing. A new season means a new challenge and I want to help the team win more trophies."

Ronaldo continued: "It's amazing that only four players in the club's history have won it, I didn't know that until yesterday.

"So it's special for the club and obviously for me and I feel very proud to be part of the history of the Ballon D'Or and the history of this club. You work hard to win team awards and personal awards, but to win this one is very special."

RONALDO CLAIMS HE HEARD RICHARDS SHOUT

RONALDO CLAIMS HE HEARD RICHARDS SHOUT

Cristiano Ronaldo has provided a fourth explanation for his bizarre handball during the Manchester derby on Sunday.

The Manchester United player was shown a second yellow card after committing the offence despite protesting afterwards that he had heard a whistle - or, in his own reported words, "a beep" - as Wayne Rooney's corner was sent over.

According to Sir Alex Ferguson, "He was protecting his face, he was shoved and he heard a whistle." That explanation ought to have covered all available bases, but Ronaldo has now added another by claiming that he only handled the ball because he heard Micah Richards shouting.

Ronaldo is quoted as saying by The Sun: "Rooney took the corner, I jumped and that was when I heard a shout from Richards and simultaneously the sound of a whistle. I was convinced that the ref had blown for a foul.

"I stopped trying to head the ball and score a goal. I grabbed the ball so Richards could get help.

"It never entered my mind that the referee would show me another yellow card because, for me, I hadn't done anything wrong. To the contrary, after Richards yelled I thought he was hurt and needed assistance."

Ronaldo scoops Ballon d'Or

Ronaldo scoops Ballon d'Or

Cristiano Ronaldo hailed "one of the most beautiful days of my life" and vowed to keep improving after winning the prestigious Ballon d'Or award in the early hours of the morning.

The Manchester United winger was named as 2007 winner Kaka's successor at 0200 GMT after convincingly seeing off competition from Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.

Of the 96 top journalists polled by France Football magazine, 77 voted the Portugal winger as their number one player this year and every one placed him in their top five after he scored 42 goals in United's Barclays Premier League and Champions League winning season.

He polled a massive 446 points from a maximum 480, finishing comfortably ahead of second-placed Messi (281) and third-placed Torres (179).

In so doing the 23-year-old becomes the third Portuguese player to lift the famous trophy - after legendary pair Eusebio and Luis Figo - and joins fellow Red Devils George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton in taking the gong.

A total of 11 Barclays Premier League players earned votes, with England internationals Steven Gerrard (ninth), Wayne Rooney (13th) and Frank Lampard (15th) flying the flag for Fabio Capello's side.

Despite the good showing for the the division, Ronaldo is just the second England-based player to win the award since Best in 1968. Michael Owen, in 2001, is the other.
Speaking to www.francefootball.fr, Ronaldo said: "It is one of the most beautiful days of my life. To gain this trophy is something I dreamed of as a child.

"Great emotion fills me but I cannot really describe it.

"I want to thank those who voted for me, those who know me and those who live with me.

"I was not worried, because I was aware of what I did in the course of the season.

"But to the people who mentioned my name, I say thank you. Thank you also to my team-mates.

"This (trophy) is one that I want to win again because it is so good. Therefore, I will wake and I will say to myself 'I want to be even better'."

Ronaldo admitted he was proud to be take the honour ahead of a host of world stars.

"I am only 23 years old and it is splendid, incredible," he continued.

"There were other great names this year. I see that Lionel Messi finished second and Fernando Torres third, but also (fifth-placed) Xavi...all these people could have taken the trophy and I won it."

Ronaldo's 42 club goals last season propelled United to glory in both the Barclays Premier League and Champions League.

His summer efforts at Euro 2008 were less spectacular - he found the net just once before Portugal were eliminated at the quarter-final stage - and overshadowed by a long-running transfer tussle involving Real Madrid but his achievements continue to be recognised.

He is already FIFPro World Player of the Year and also took the top domestic prizes from the Professional Footballers' Association and the Football Writers last season.

An ankle injury prevented Ronaldo from taking his sterling form into the start of this term, but he has been quick to find his stride since returning to fitness, scoring nine times.

Ronaldo joins legendary list

Ronaldo joins legendary list

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has joined a list of greats after being crowned 2008 European Footballer of the Year.

The Portuguese international won the prestigious Ballon d'Or after 77 of the 96 journalists voted him as number one.

Ronaldo, who scored 42 goals to help United win the Champions League and Premier League titles, polled 446 points from a maximum 480, to beat Barcelona's Lionel Messi (281) and Liverpool's Fernando Torres (179).

The 23-year-old becomes the third Portuguese player to lift the trophy - after legendary pair Eusebio and Luis Figo - and joins fellow Red Devils George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton in taking the gong.

Ronaldo scoops best player award

Ronaldo scoops best player award

Cristiano Ronaldo has won the prestigious Ballon d'Or trophy awarded by France Football magazine.

Ronaldo scored 42 goals as Manchester United won the Champions League and Premier League last season.

"It is one of the most beautiful days of my life, something I dreamed of as a child," said the 23-year-old winger.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi was second and Liverpool's Fernando Torres was third while Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard were also in the running.

Ac Milan's Brazilian midfielder Kaka won the award last year.Where the votes went

Ronaldo's defining role in United's Double-winning season saw 77 of the 96 journalists on the Ballon D'Or panel vote for him as their number one player of the year.


"This (trophy) is one that I want to win again because it is so good"
Cristiano Ronaldo

"Great emotion fills me but I cannot really describe it," Ronaldo continued.

"I was not worried, because I was aware of what I did in the course of the season.

"But to the people who mentioned my name, I say thank you. Thank you also to my team-mates.

"This (trophy) is one that I want to win again because it is so good.

"Therefore, I will wake and I will say to myself 'I want to be even better'."

The Portuguese international became only the fifth player to score more than 30 goals in a Premier League season as United pipped Chelsea to the domestic title.

RECENT BALLON D'OR WINNERS


2007 Kaka
2006 Fabio Cannavaro
2005 Ronaldinho
2004 Andriy Shevchenko
2003 Pavel Nedved
2002 Ronaldo
2001 Michael Owen
2000 Luis Figo

Ronaldo's tally of 42 goals earned him the Golden Shoe as Europe's top scorer, making him the first winger to collect that honour.

And his 42nd strike of an astonishing season came in Moscow as United drew 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Champions League final. He went on to miss his spot-kick in the resulting penalty shoot-out but United still triumphed.

The only real disappointment for Ronaldo came at Euro 2008.

The winger was expected to be one of the stars of the tournament but he struggled to lift his side and Portugal went out in the quarter-finals.

A summer of fevered speculation over Ronaldo's future followed after he conceded a dream move would be a switch to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

"Well done Ronnie for your great achievment. You deserve it!"
Dubbed The Next Heurelho Gomes!

But United dug their heels in and in October Ronaldo pledged his future to the Old Trafford club.

Torres, meanwhile, enjoyed a phenomenal debut season in the Premier League following his big-money move from Atletico Madrid.

The 24-year-old scored 24 goals for Liverpool, the highest by a foreign player in their maiden season, and went on to score the winner for Spain in the Euro 2008 final.