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Steven Gerrard may think Cristiano Ronaldo is a disgrace, but C.Ron can rest assured that he has nothing to worry about from United fans this season.

The Liverpool captain's attack on Ronaldo made a few headlines and may even sell a few books. But while some people seem unable to put `Winkgate' behind them, the fact is that Ronaldo's role in Wayne Rooney's England sending-off is now history.

Ronaldo lit up Saturday's friendly against the UEFA Cup holders by making a goal for Louis Saha and scoring one himself in United's 3-0 victory. The manner in which he was engulfed by his team-mates after scoring with a free-kick two minutes from the end suggested he has been welcomed back into the fold.

"Cristiano got a good reception," was manager Sir Alex Ferguson's post-match verdict. "He needs the games; that will help him. A week's full training with us this week will help him too."

The boss was happy with Ronaldo's display, and delighted with a rather flattering scoreline secured with two goals in the final three minutes. But Fergie was honest enough to admit that it was not much fun to watch.

"I thought it was a pretty slow game actually," he said. "The first half was a bit pedestrian. But in fairness, we improved our passing in the second half and played some nice football. We probably deserved the win but it wasn't a 3-0 scoreline."

O'Shea: No problem between Rooney & Ronaldo

John O'Shea has laughed off "the circus" which has surrounded Manchester United team-mates Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo in recent weeks.

When Portugal winger Ronaldo played a part in helping England striker Rooney get sent off in a World Cup quarter-final, it sparked a raging debate the duo would never be able to play together again for United.

Nothing could be further from the truth as far as O'Shea is concerned as he insists there is a unified front at Old Trafford. "There have been no problems between Wayne and Ronaldo," said O'Shea. "It's actually been quite funny at times the circus that has gone on. "Obviously, they weren't team-mates at the time, they were trying to do their best for their countries. "But they're back now, they're team-mates again and they are looking forward to the season starting."

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