Ronaldo shines while Rooney stutters for United

Cristiano Ronaldo showed his fast growing maturity in a fine performance in Manchester United's 1-0 away win over Benfica in the Champions League. The young Portuguese international had a part in Louis Saha's winning goal on Tuesday night that put United firmly in command of Group F with two wins from two games.

Manager Alex Ferguson praised Ronaldo as United's best player this season and for the way he has dealt with abuse from fans, in Britain and abroad. Ronaldo's every touch on Tuesday was jeered by Benfica supporters who associate the winger with his first club Sporting, their great Lisbon rivals. "Ronaldo has been fantastic all season," Ferguson said.

"The boy has had to endure a lot of public criticism and has risen above it with great courage. Next time Portugal play those people will be kissing his feet," he was quoted as saying in British newspapers on Wednesday.

Ronaldo was also the butt of the British media and fans for his alleged part in getting United team mate Wayne Rooney sent off when Portugal met England in the World Cup quarter-finals.

The pair made up back in England and Ronaldo's performances in the Premier League where United won their first four matches and have taken 13 points from six, have largely managed to keep rival fans quiet.

United great Bobby Charlton said: "(Ronaldo) has put that behind him, he doesn't worry about it at all. He's shaken hands with Wayne Rooney, he's apologised and you move on. Charlton told Sky Sports the jeering would continue but Ronaldo "...seems to thrive on it, it gives him a challenge of trying to keep them quiet and he does that by scoring goals."

Ronaldo had been expected to suffer from the criticism while Rooney, following a frustrating World Cup, made a blistering start to the season.

But Rooney's three-match suspension for both United and England knocked the momentum out of him. He has lost his touch and confidence since returning from the bans and he made little impact at Benfica's Luz stadium.

Read more...