MU 1 : 2 West Ham ; CR score but miss penalty

United’s attempts to end 2007 on a high were scuppered by West Ham as Alan Curbishley’s side earned a third win in a row against the Reds at Upton Park.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men took the lead through Cristiano Ronaldo in a scrappy and hard-fought game, and could have gone 2-0 had the Portuguese star converted a second-half penalty. With West Ham buoyed by Ronaldo’s miss, Curbishley’s side managed to snatch two goals and all three points. In truth, United were far from at their best and the Hammers were steeled to contain and frustrate the Reds. Unfortunately, their plan worked. But it could have been so different......More

MU 4 : 0 Sunderland ; CR prefect free kick

Cristiano Ronaldo Freekick Sunderland Manchester united 0-3
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Manchester United strolled to a 4-0 away win over struggling Sunderland to return to the top of the English Premier League on Boxing Day.

The champions might have been expecting an awkward afternoon on their trip to the Stadium of Light to play a team managed by their former captain Roy Keane, but the reality was very different.

England international striker Wayne Rooney opened the scoring with a deft 20th-minute finish, and French star Louis Saha doubled the lead 10 minutes later.

Cristiano Ronaldo played a part in both the goals and capped a superb first half performance with a trademark free kick on the stroke of the interval which left home goalkeeper Craig Gordon with no chance.

United eased off in the second half, but still increased their advantage through an 86th minute penalty by Saha for his second of the match.

The win takes United to 45 points from 19 games, two clear of Arsenal, who play at Portsmouth in the late evening kick off.

Ron just prefect

Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo after the winger fired the Reds to a vital victory over Everton on Sunday afternoon.

The 22-year-old put United 1-0 up on 22 minutes with an unstoppable left-footed strike. Tim Chaill drew the visitors level five minutes later with a bullet header from Steven Pienaar's cross.

Ronaldo fired the winner with two minutes remaining, converting from the spot after Ryan Giggs had been upended by Pienaar. Sir Alex was delighted with the victory and hailed Ronaldo's overall contribution.

"I don't think he ever made a mistake - he was absolutely perfect, it was a marvellous performance from him," Sir Alex told MUTV.

"The first goal was marvellous. The boy really has got everything and we're expecting goals from him all the time.

"The temperament and confidence he's always shown as a kid surfaces at times like that [when he stepped up to take the penalty]. He composed himself and took the spot-kick very well.

"Of course, others played their part and you could see what a great team spirit we have by the way we never stopped going. It's a very important result and it was a good team performance in the second half."

The United manager was unhappy with his side's defending for Everton's equaliser, but praised the players' response after the break.

"I was very disappointed with their goal. We should have closed the cross down sooner," said the Reds' boss. "We spoke about Tim Cahill before the game because we know he has good ability in the air and he did us at the back post.

"It was very disappointing particularly after making such a great start with Cristiano's goal. It derailed us really until the second half.

"My experience of this team is never to give up on them because they've scored so many important goals late on. Time was running out, but thankfully we got the penalty through Ryan. It was inexperienced defending from the young lad [Steven Pienaar], he stuck a leg out and thankfully we got the penalty.

"With Arsenal winning late on yesterday it was an important result for us to make sure we keep close to them. It starts the Christmas period off very well for us."

Cris double downs Everton....A prefect X'mas gift

Cristiano Ronaldo admitted a win was vital heading into the Christmas programme after his brace gave Manchester United a 2-1 win over Everton.Ronaldo had already seen one brilliant effort equalised by Tim Cahill and it seemed United would have to settle for a draw as Everton held their own.

But when Steven Pienaar brought Ryan Giggs down, Ronaldo nervelessly converted his 16th goal of the season to move the Red Devils back to within a point of leaders Arsenal.

And the Portugal winger told Setanta One: "I think the team played very well.

"In the first half it was not too good but second half I think we played better, created more chances and I think we deserved to win.

"It's important, we've got many games coming up now and it's important always to win. At home you need to win.

"With the next games, there is not too much time to rest, so it was important to win to stay near the top."

Regarding his personal contribution, Ronaldo said: "I'm very happy with Christmas coming up. I think Father Christmas gave me my present early!

"The most important thing is the team. The game was very tough, Everton played very well and created a few bad things for us. I think the lads played very well."

Disappointed but still satisfied

Ronaldo Still Satisfied

Cristiano Ronaldo was involved in an embarrassing mix-up at last night's FIFA World Player of the Year gala ceremony in Zurich.

The Manchester United winger was handed the prize for second place, then forced to hand it back to FIFA president Sepp Blatter in front of a star-studded audience after it emerged he had actually finished THIRD.

AC Milan's Brazilian playmaker Kaka scooped the top prize, with Barcelona winger Lionel Messi in second place.

Despite the cock-up in front of guests including Pele and Sir Bobby Charlton, Ronaldo remained upbeat and said: "It was an honour to be nominated for the award, although it's disappointing not to win.

"But Kaka is a fantastic player and I have many more opportunities to win in the future because I am still young. I hope I am back next year to compete for the prize.

"I've scored 14 goals already this season for Manchester United and my aim is to exceed everything I achieved last season.

"If I can do that, then I have a great chance of winning this award next time."

07 FIFA World Player Award

Cris come 3rd

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo had to settle for third place as Brazilian Kaka won the FIFA world player of the year prize.

Milan's Kaka received more votes (1,047) than the combined total of his short-listed rivals — Lionel Messi of Barcelona (504) and Manchester United's Ronaldo (426) — in the annual poll of national team coaches and captains. Chelsea's Didier Drogba (209) was fourth.

"Sometimes I want something and it's not possible."

Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his "dream" to one day play for a Spanish club. The 22-year-old Portuguese winger, the subject of interest from Real Madrid in the recent past, is happy at Manchester United - but would love to experience the Primera Liga one day.

Ronaldo - speaking in Zurich before the FIFA world player award for which he, Barcelona's Lionel Messi and AC Milan's Kaka have been short-listed - said: "I would like to play for a Spanish club one day - I don't know if it is possible, but it is my dream.

"Sometimes I want something and it's not possible. But this is my dream.

"It's a fantastic league where they play beautiful football, but I am convinced the English league is the most competitive in every aspect.

"I feel very comfortable in the English league; I think it's beautiful, and if I stay in Manchester that would be great for me - I love the club; I love the supporters, and it would be amazing for me to stay there for many years.

"But maybe one day, only God knows whether it will happen, I would like to play for a Spanish team and experience the difference."

Ronaldo is hugely honoured to be short-listed for the award, which has never been won by a Premier League player.

He added: "I was so pleased when I got nominated. The first thing I did was tell the people closest to me.

"I called my mother and told her, and then my brother and my sister.

"It's a real honour for me to be considered one of the three best players in the world."

"Going the right way."

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the nominees for the 2007 FIFA World Player award, spoke to FIFA.com for an exclusive interview in Zurich on 17 December.

The Portuguese attacking midfielder, who plays his club football for Manchester United, explained how proud he was to be one of the top three players in the world. He also revealed his ambitions for Portugal and talked of his admiration for Luis Figo.




Cristiano, tell us how you feel at the moment.
I'm proud to be here, alongside two incredible players. It's great for me, I'm the happiest man in the world! I don't know whether I'm going to win but that really doesn't matter, I feel good because I'm one of the three nominees. 2007 went really well on a personal level, and me and my team-mates helped Manchester United to the Premier League title.

What was the defining moment for you in 2007?
When I won the title with Manchester United, no doubt about it, as it was a first for me. Lifting that trophy was an incredible feeling.

What do you think of the other two players who have been nominated?
Kaka and Lionel Messi are exceptional players. I'm delighted that I was chosen alongside them by the various international captains and coaches. It's a real honour.

What are you wishing for in 2008?
I'd like to have as good as year as I did in 2007, perhaps even better, who knows? I'm working hard, focusing on my goals, and I've got some great team-mates around me. I'm heading in the right direction, I've got off to a good start to the season, scored some important goals and the team is looking good both in the league and in the Champions League so how could I not be happy!

Will 2008 finally be Portugal's year?
Portugal has got some good players, good coaching staff and we're performing well right now, so yes, 2008 should be a good year. Having said that, we have a tough group at the Euro with Switzerland, Czech Republic and Turkey, but I think we stand a fair chance.

Luis Figo is the only person from Portugal to be voted FIFA World Player of the Year. Tell us what he represents to you.
Figo really is an example for me. I played alongside him for Portugal and he is not only a great player but also a great man. It was a pleasure to play with him. He won the World Player of the Year title in 2001 and he fully deserved it after the season he'd had. That's what I'm going to try to do, year in, year out, to come back here to Zurich and win this trophy. Individual awards are important in a player's career.

What did you learn from playing alongside him at the 2006 FIFA World Cup?
I didn't just learn from him at the 2006 World Cup. Every year since I started playing football, I've been looking to progress. Each season I learn something new, I can feel it and it's a great sensation. I'm playing for a great club with great players and that's the best way to make progress - day in, day out.

You are now captain of Portugal. How are you faring with this new-found responsibility?
I've always had a sense of responsibility, whether I've been captain or not. But I must say that I'm both pleased and proud to be Portugal captain, despite how young I am, because I know what it means. My job is still the same though. I need to do what I do best out on the pitch, and that's score goals and help my team win.

MU 1 : 0 Liverpool

United executed the perfect contain-and-counter performance to notch a fifth win in six years at Liverpool, with Carlos Tevez scoring the only goal at Anfield.

The Argentine striker clipped home Wayne Rooney's shot after 43 minutes, while the stars of the show were undoubtedly United's backline and defensive midfielders.....more

Happy Cris

I want to get even better

Cristiano Ronaldo is determined to use comparisons with Manchester United's legendary 'Holy Trinity' as motivation to get even better.

The names of George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton still roll off the tongue as easily as they did in their 1960s heyday.

They were afforded their nickname by United fans as recognition of their immense contribution to the Old Trafford club's rise to the top of the European game just a decade after the Munich Air Crash had cruelly wiped out Matt Busby's 'Babes'.

Yet now Ronaldo is part of a new trio being afforded a favourable comparison with the illustrious heroes of the past.

Together with Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez, the Portugal winger knows he still has some work to do if he is to leave a legacy as distinct as the one Best, Law and Charlton created.

Indeed, Charlton is amongst those who think they can although for now the 22-year-old is happy to be mentioned in the same terms.

"To be compared to some of the best players in the history of Manchester United, absolute legends at the club, is good and just gives us more motivation to work hard," said Ronaldo.

"It would be fantastic if people still talked about me at United after I finished playing.

"Sir Bobby is an honest guy. When he says something positive about me and my colleagues, it is good.

"He knows football. He knows about the game and this club. He knows how difficult it is when you are young, so his words will only help me to do better."

The weekend could hardly have gone any better for Ronaldo and his team-mates.

After overcoming a sodden pitch and an obdurate Derby outfit at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon, United then saw next Sunday's opponents Liverpool crash to defeat at Reading.

If that was not enough, 24 hours later Arsenal lost their unbeaten record at Middlesbrough, meaning what had been a four-point deficit on the Gunners before the weekend has now been reduced to just one.

Not that Ronaldo is getting too excited just yet.

The former Sporting Lisbon star knows it is where the Red Devils are in mid-May that counts, not mid-December.

"The priority is to finish top at the end of the season, so the best thing we can do is concentrate on our own results," he said.

"We should not worry if we don't pass Arsenal next week. There is plenty of time left.

"We play Liverpool next weekend and if we win that we will have a better chance."

In snubbing Tevez's pleas to take the late penalty against Derby on Saturday, Ronaldo not only denied the South American a hat-trick opportunity, he also allowed himself to net for the 14th time this season and extend a run of scoring in seven out of the last eight games in which he has been involved.

It is a new landmark, even for a player of Ronaldo's exceptional ability. And it is one he would like to keep going over the next week, especially with a visit to Anfield on the horizon.

"I have not been on a run like this before. I am very proud of it and hopefully I can carry on," he said.

"I feel I am getting better. I try to improve every year and my ambition is to be better than I was two years ago."

With top spot in Group F secure, Ronaldo could be one of the star names rested from Wednesday's encounter with Roma in the Stadio Olimpico.

The 22-year-old's name did not feature in the likely starting line-up named by Ferguson on Saturday evening and given his importance next weekend, Ronaldo might well be give a few days off rather than make the trip to Italy.

"I respect the manager's decision," he said.

"He knows what is best for the team. Our squad is big and other players want a game as well, so if I stay here it won't be a problem."

Reds : Cris should take the penalty

Cristiano Ronaldo was right to take the penalty against Derby County, even if it prevented Carlos Tevez from claiming a richly deserved hat-trick.

That was the opinion of two senior United players and Sir Alex Ferguson after Ronaldo scored from the spot in injury-time. Tevez had scored two goals at that point and with the Reds 3-1 up, there seemed little risk in Cristiano passing him the penalty-taking duty.

But Reds captain Ryan Giggs insisted: "Penalty takers should always take penalties, simple as that. If we got an important penalty in the next couple of weeks then Cristiano scoring one today will give him the confidence to do it again."

Rio Ferdinand added: "It's professionalism. If the game was 1-1, Ronaldo would have taken the penalty. Sentiment doesn't really come into it. We're a professional team and I'm sure it means nothing to Carlos."

Sir Alex agreed: "Cristiano is the regular penalty kick taker and I can understand him wanting to take it. It would have been great for Carlos to get his hat-trick, but it's also important for Ronaldo to keep his goalscoring run going.

"When you're on a run like Cristiano is (12 goals in his last nine games) you want him to keep it going. It's the same for any player, it helps to keep your confidence high."

MU 4 : 1 Derby ; Cris take the penalty

Carlos Tevez was United's main man as Sir Alex Ferguson's side cantered to a 4-1 win over Paul Jewell's Derby County. The Rams started well, defending resolutely, but conceded goals from Ryan Giggs and Tevez before the break.

The Argentinean stretched United's advantage in the second half before Steve Howard pulled a goal back for the visitors. Just as the game looked dead, Cristiano Ronaldo tucked away United's fourth from the spot to seal an emphatic victory.

CR interview on MUTV

Cris scooped a hat-trick of awards

Cristiano Ronaldo's mum can now rest easy after her son scooped a hat-trick of awards at ManUtd.com.

After notching two goals on Monday for the 12th time in his United career, the Reds' no.7 admitted his mother sometimes asks him why he never completes a hat-trick. Now Ronny can point to the three awards bestowed on him this week by ManUtd.com.

Visitors to the website voted Cristiano Ronaldo United's Player of the Month for November, while the Portuguese international also picked up the website's Goal of the Month award and Man of the Match prize for his performance against Fulham.

It's no surprise the 22-year-old won all three honours after netting five times in four matches during November. His strikes included an important goal at the Emirates Stadium, two in two minutes at home to Blackburn Rovers and a curling beauty against Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League.

But it was another goal in Europe – his last-minute scorcher against former club Sporting Lisbon – that landed him the November Goal of the Month prize. With United and Sporting locked at 1-1, Ronaldo stepped up to blast home a free-kick from 25 yards and secure top spot in Group F and 71 per cent of the vote.

He was also an overwhelmingly popular choice for the Player of the Month award, amassing 51 per cent of the vote. Patrice Evra came in second with 16 per cent.

I'll win one day

Cristiano says that he wasn't disillusioned by losing the Ballon D'Or to Kaka, but he's hoping to be elected best player of the year on the 17th. He had a quick trip to Lisbon to promote something the day after the game vs Fulham and he says that his mission is one : to become better and better each time.

"I wasn't disillusioned by not winning, I think I did well and I'm on a good path once again.Obviously I would like to have won,I didn't win,but my goal is one : to get better and better and continue like this.I have hope I'll win on the 17th, but if I don't, I hope I will one day.

About the goals against Sporting :
"I am sufficiently happy. I have a very special affection for Sporting where I played 17 years. In the two games against the Sporting I marked two, but they consider me a player of the house, respect me sufficiently and this for me is most important "

About Soares' comments on Queiroz :
"These are things that pass. All people knows that the Queirós defends the club where is, defends its colors. he did great work in Portugal, not only in Sporting, but also in the National Selecção. Already I related that all the good players are welcome to this club, not only Miguel, but more twenty or thirty players. Miguel is a good player, as are others "

About the Euro 2008 draw :
"The teams are all balanced. When the people say that Portugal is the favourite person or thing and seems an easy group, I do not agree to this. It is a balanced group,we have to respect sufficiently. But we have a group of good players, have one team sufficiently good and we have conditions to pass the first phase "

About the hat-trick :
"my mother, at times, asks me: why don't you ever score a hat-trick? I always answer to it that already I am happy for marking two goals ", observed the Portuguese International, in declaration to the site of the English club, in the end of the game. "I am a winger, not a striker, but I understand that I must help the team in the best way, either manufacturing goals or marking them", Cristiano Ronaldo explained, that opened the marker to the ten minutes, repeated the target in the second part (58) and alone trick failed hat because the arbitrator did not designate great penalty committed on itself.

Cris : I'm no diver

Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to condemn Rob Styles over the Old Trafford diving storm - but the Manchester United winger is certain the referee got it wrong.

After scoring both United's goals in their 2-0 win over Fulham on Monday night, Ronaldo was denied an opportunity to complete his first Red Devils hat-trick when Styles ruled he dived over Cottagers keeper Antti Niemi as the pair went for Louis Saha's through ball.

Instead of awarding United a penalty, Styles booked Ronaldo for gamesmanship, a decision TV replays later suggested was incorrect.

Sir Alex Ferguson claimed Styles had been 'conned' by Niemi, who correctly asserted he had not touched Ronaldo, covering up the fact he had not touched the ball.

But if the United man had not taken evasive action, he would almost certainly have been flattened.

Ronaldo, runner-up to Kaka in the prestigious Ballon D'Or, was not quite as forceful as his manager, instead insisting it was simply a bad call.

"I try to do my job and I try to play honestly," he said.

"I respect the referee's decision but I do not have the same opinion because I thought it was a penalty.

"If you see the replay, the goalkeeper never touched the ball, so it is frustrating the referee gave me a yellow card."

Ferguson felt Ronaldo had been the victim of a diving tag which was attached to the winger during his early days at United but which has gradually been lost amid his sublime form over the past 18 months.

"His reputation from years ago is still playing on the minds of referees," said the United manager.

"It is quite unfair because he is nothing like that now. He is more mature and a magnificent footballer.

"Why would he want to go down? He was on a hat-trick, he had gone round the keeper and he was brought down. It was a ridiculous decision."

MU 2 : 0 Fulham ; Cris doubt again

Cristiano Ronaldo made up for missing out on the European Footballer of the Year award by scoring both goals as Manchester United moved to within three points of leaders Arsenal with a 2-0 win against Fulham at Old Trafford on Monday.

Ronaldo, who was overlooked in favour of AC Milan's Brazilian forward Kaka for the Ballon d'Or award that was announced on Sunday, proved too good for Fulham, who saw their woeful Premiership away record stretch to 24 games without victory as Sir Alex Ferguson's team cruised to the win.

United had allowed themselves to fall off the Premiership pace by losing 1-0 at Bolton in their last league outing and nothing but three points against Fulham would do for the champions with Arsenal stretching their lead to six points with a weekend victory at Aston Villa.

Manager Ferguson had made the point in his match programme notes that further slip-ups would not be tolerated and the message appeared to have hit home loud and clear as United tore at Fulham inside the opening ten minutes.

Argentinian striker Carlos Tevez should have hit a hat-trick during that period as three golden chances fell into his path, but the former West Ham forward failed to take any of them.

Tevez first let Fulham off the hook when he headed Anderson's cross wide from three yards after beating the offside trap to take his chance at the far post.

Moments later, he was then denied by a brilliant save from goalkeeper Antti Niemi, who dived low to block Tevez's snapshot from 12 yards.

His luck clearly wasn't in and Tevez had another near miss on eight minutes when his right foot strike from the edge of the penalty area was deflected over the crossbar by Fulham captain Aaron Hughes.

Where Tevez was wasteful, however, Ronaldo was lethal and the Portugal international gave United the lead on ten minutes with a thunderous volley that left Niemi completely helpless.

On this occasion, poor defending by Fulham unlocked the door for United. Lawrie Sanchez's team failed to properly clear Ryan Giggs's corner and the ball ultimately fell to Ronaldo on the edge of the six yard box after a flick-on from defender Nemanja Vidic.

Unmarked, Ronaldo simply lashed a right-foot volley into the roof of the net to put United ahead and claim his twelfth goal of the season.

That should have been the start of a goal avalanche, but Fulham managed to stifle United and they even went close to levelling the scores before the break when former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy forced keeper Edwin van der Sar into action with a well-struck effort from 20 yards.

Fulham never looked like dragging themselves level, though, and United merely needed to find a second goal to put the game beyond the Londoners.

It took a while in coming, however, as the chances dried up following the lightning start.

Sanchez's team could not hold out until the end of the game, though, and Ronaldo doubled United's lead when he headed in John O'Shea's cross from close range on 58 minutes.

A stunning volley in one half and a centre-forward's header the next. There is little that Ronaldo cannot produce and Ferguson's assertion that the 22-year-old is one of the world's best players is difficult to contest.

Ronaldo would have scored a hat-trick as well but for a bizarre penalty incident on 79 minutes.

Seemingly fouled by Niemi 12 yards out, referee Rob Styles refused the appeals and booked the United star for diving!

Why he would go down with an open goal at his mercy is one for Styles to explain, but it was certainly one of the more ridiculous decisions of the season.

Kaka edges out Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has been beaten to the prestigious Ballon d'Or award by AC Milan playmaker Kaka.

United's Portuguese winger finished in second place in the rankings decided by football journalists, collecting 277 points to Kaka's 444, ahead of Barcelona starlet Lionel Messi.

The award, regarded as the most prestigious individual accolade around, this year recognises the best player in world football, having previously been known as the European Player of the Year award.

Kaka has long been touted as favourite for the award after his hugely inspirational role in Milan's triumphant Champions League campaign last season.

The Brazilian put United to the sword in the semi-finals, scoring twice at Old Trafford and once again at the San Siro as Milan ran out 5-3 winners on aggregate.

He, Ronaldo and Messi are again locking horns for the FIFA World Player of the Year award on December 17, with Kaka once more favourite to take the gong.

Giggs backs Cris for World player of the year award

Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs believes his team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to win the 2007 Fifa World Player of the Year award.

Ronaldo has been selected on the shortlist for the prestigious accolade, along with AC Milan's Kaka and Barcelona's Lionel Messi.

The Portuguese winger has been in irrepressible form, scoring 23 times for United last season and taking his total for the current campaign to 11 on Tuesday with a powerful free-kick against his old club Sporting Lisbon.

Ronaldo, 22, also boasts 20 goals in 51 appearances for Portugal, having steered his side through the Euro 2008 qualifiers with some impressive performances.

"I think he would be a worthy recipient of the world footballer of the year," said Giggs.

"It is not just the quality of his game. His consistency over the last 12 to 18 months has been unbelievable.

"He seems to score in every other game for Portugal as well. People forget that."

The Fifa award will be presented at a gala dinner in Zurich on Dec 17 and is voted for by the managers and captains of the national teams of the world governing body's member countries.

Kaka, who is expected to be confirmed as the winner of the Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) ahead of Ronaldo in Paris on Sunday, is the hot favourite for the Fifa award.

MU 2 : 1 Sporting......Cris has no regrets over Sporting winner

Ronaldo -- Manchester U 2 - 1 Sporting
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Manchester United match-winner Cristiano Ronaldo had no apologies this time as his stunning goal beat former club Sporting and secured top spot in Group F of the Champions League on Tuesday.

Ronaldo's injury-time freekick, his fifth goal of the qualifying phase, gave United a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford.

The Portugal international had also scored the decisive goal in Lisbon last month but while he was muted in his celebrations in front of his former supporters, there was no hint of regret on this occasion.

"This was different. I have a lot of respect for them (Sporting). But they understand. This is my job and Manchester United is my club. It was a fabulous goal and I was pleased with it," Ronaldo told reporters.

"It's always important to win but it was particularly important tonight because it meant we topped the group. We didn't play well in the first half but we deserved it in the second half because we created a lot of chances."

United had trailed to a first-half goal from Abel and looked in danger of only a second defeat in 33 home European games.

But with Ronaldo in outstanding form they dominated the second half and, after substitute Carlos Tevez had equalised, secured a fifth successive win with Ronaldo's 25-yard metre into the top corner. "It was a marvellous strike. He has done it before and he works very hard on that," said United manager Alex Ferguson.

"He always wanted to do well against his old club. He owes a lot to Sporting Lisbon. He was brought up there as a young boy. He respects that and has great admiration for the club."

United's victory means they will avoid other group winners in the first knockout round of the competition and Ferguson can also rest key players for their final group game against AS Roma, who have also qualified, on Dec. 15, four days before they face Liverpool in the Premier League.

"It was important in the sense that we can go to Rome and use all my squad," Ferguson added. "One or two will not even travel. Obviously we have an important game coming up against Liverpool but I will still play a team that can hopefully win the match."

Cris face Sporting

Cristiano Ronaldo and Nemanja Vidic are both in contention to face Sporting Lisbon tomorrow after Manchester United completed preparations for their Champions League encounter at Old Trafford.

The duo were key absentees from Saturday's shock Barclays Premier League defeat at Bolton, with Vidic particularly missed as his replacement Gerard Pique made the mistake that gifted Nicolas Anelka his winner.

Sir Alex Ferguson had suggested neither Vidic's minor back problem nor the thigh strain Ronaldo picked up on international duty last week would have eased sufficiently for them to figure against Sporting.

However, they were able to take part in training, along with a remainder of Ferguson's weekend squad.

Having registered four straight wins in Group F so far, United are already assured of their place in the last 16.

Ferguson would hope to secure top spot and a more favourable knockout-round draw, although this may not prevent him giving some of his fringe men, such as Pique, Anderson, Jonny Evans and Danny Simpson more first-team experience.

Team (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Heaton, Brown, Simpson, Ferdinand, Vidic, Pique, Evra, Evans, O'Shea, Nani, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Hargreaves, Anderson, Eagles, Carrick, Giggs, Saha, Tevez.

PSP Cover.......Cool

Portugal qualifies for Euro 2008 ...... CR : We can win

A trio of Portuguese stars have declared that the Selecção das Quinas are in with a great chance of winning Euro 2008 after securing qualification last night...

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo has named Portugal as one of the favourites for the Euro 2008 crown.

The 2004 hosts secured qualification for the Austria-Switzerland tournament last night after drawing 0-0 at home to Finland, with the attacking midfielder in mixed moods after the game.

He told PortuGOAL.net, "All our players should have ambition to lift trophies. I think we can win the European Championships. We have great players, a great structure and we have to think positive. We’re going to be at our best in the finals."

However, he seemed to indicate that the pressure of the fanbase was beginning to play a major role in the dynamics of the team, who failed to score in Porto.

"This team is at the level we have accustomed the public to over recent years," he began.

"We have achieved a lot of great things. Now, whenever things go wrong people start criticising straight away, but we have to get used to that. But I think in one way this is positive."

Atletico Madrid midfielder Maniche added, "We had some tough times this campaign but we’ve managed to get through it.

"Nowadays, there are no easy games. We did not have one single simple game in this qualification. But today we played well, helped each other and the only thing lacking was a goal.

"Some young players are coming into the team that have a lot of quality. They’ve shown it at club level and now they are showing it for the national team."

Real Madrid defender Pepe then concluded, "I’m delighted. I’m very happy with the way I was received by the fans and would like to thank the support of the crowd.

"It was a game in which we suffered a little, but that makes it all the more satisfying [to qualify]. But we deserved to win this match.

"This squad is fantastic and we deserve congratulations.

"Can we be champions? I believe so; we have very good players who respected all around Europe."

Portugal lost out in the 2004 final against Greece.

Kaka : Ronaldo is top star

Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to be crowned European Footballer of the Year, according to his main rival for the prestigious award.

Ac Milan and Brazil star Kaka, who is vying with Ronaldo for the accolade, reckons the Manchester United winger should beat him to it after his outstanding displays for club and country.

The winner of the Ballon d'Or will be revealed on December 2 when Ronaldo hopes to join the illustrious list of past winners, which includes United greats Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best and Denis Law.

And Kaka, who inspired AC Milan to Champions League glory last season and is the bookies' favourite to pick up the award, claimed Ronaldo - who scored 23 goals last term - would get his vote.

"I would vote for Cristiano Ronaldo as the best in the world," said Kaka. "Not just for his quality, but also as he has been able to do so well with Portugal.

"Lionel Messi of Barcelona is also a great player, but he has not won any titles this year."

Ronaldo has continued his superb form of last season during this campaign with 10 goals for United and a host of assists, as well as maintaining his scoring exploits for Portugal in their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

But Ronaldo, 22, who scooped every individual award in England last season, said he is more interested in winning team honours with United than solo recognition.

"Someday I would like to be voted the best in the world, but it is not an obsession," said Ronaldo. "That's not what drives me.

"During the past few months I have heard it mentioned. For me, that nomination would be a dream come true. But I don't think about it when I get up every day for training.

"Whatever has to happen will happen naturally. If Manchester United are doing well, I will do well. The greater the success of United, the greater the success of each of their players.

"More than any individual title is the feeling my work is appreciated. If, one day, one of these awards is destined for me, it will be welcome and I will be there to receive it."

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Ronaldo would be a worthy winner. "The season Ronaldo had was unbelievable stuff," said Fergie.

"Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and George Best all won the European Footballer of the Year award, which was unique coming from one club.

"If any of our lads achieved that, it would be fantastic for us as a football club. Ronaldo is a match-winner, like Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez."

Ronaldo paid tribute to the role Fergie has played in his development as a player and reckons the United boss will be a hard act to follow when he eventually steps down.

Fergie's No.2, Carlos Queiroz, has been touted as a possible successor, and Ronaldo would welcome his fellow Portuguese taking over. "I have a great relationship with Carlos and I know all the squad like him," said Ronaldo.

"Sir Alex has been at the club for 21 years. It will be very hard to replace him on many levels."

HOW BIG PRIZE ELUDED UNITED
Denis Law, Bobby Charlton and George Best all won European Footballer of the Year during the 1960s - but no Manchester United player has lifted the Ballon d'Or since Bestie in 1968. Here are the near-misses...

1971 George Best 3rd. Winner: Johann Cruyff (Ajax)
1992 Peter Schmeichel 5th. Winner: Marco van Basten (Milan)
1993 Eric Cantona 3rd. Winner: Roberto Baggio (Juventus)
1999 David Beckham 2nd. Winner: Rivaldo (Barcelona)
2001 David Beckham 4th. Winner: Michael Owen (Liverpool)

KAKA'S 2007 CREDENTIALS
Won Champions League
Leading CL goalscorer
16 goals in 41 games

RONALDO'S 2007 CREDENTIALS
Won Premier League title
Fa Cup finalist
22 goals in 46 games

Cris & Owen new PES advert

Portugal 1:0 Armenia Cris hits back at home critics

Cristiano Ronaldo has hit back at the Portuguese public after they heckled the team’s 1-0 home win over Armenia. Hugo Almeida spared Portugal’s blushes with the only goal of a poor contest, leaving Luis Felipe Scolari’s men needing just one point to qualify for Euro 2008.

The performance did not sit well with the home fans, who displayed their frustration at the final whistle – but Ronaldo insists results are the only thing on his mind.

"For me it is a pain to receive critics in Portugal when playing for the national team," he said.

"I do not understand the attitude of the fans in Leiria but that is the way it is between the supporters in my country.

“We are not machines and it is not always possible to win the matches with style on the field.

“But I prefer to play a bad match and win than the opposite.

“Now we need a point against Finland but the team are not thinking of the draw.“It is impossible to play safe so our only objective is the three points."

CR is main man for Scolari

Cristiano Ronaldo will be crowned the heir to Portugal legend Eusebio before trying to inspire his country to the brink of the Euro 2008 finals by beating Armenia tonight.

Manchester United superstar Ronaldo, 22, wins his 52nd cap for his country in the Group A encounter in Leiria - and he will be presented with a commemorative plaque by Eusebio before kick-off to mark reaching his half-century earlier this year.

Eusebio is regarded as Portugal's greatest-ever player after scoring 41 goals in 64 appearances and helping them to the 1966 World Cup semifinals - but Portugal skipper Ronaldo, with 20 goals in 51 games, is now being mentioned in the same breath.

A win would all but guarantee Luiz Felipe Scolari's team a spot in the tournament next summer - and many of Ronaldo's Manchester United team-mates will be looking on enviously if England miss out and Portugal get there.

Big Phil's men face Finland - who are three points behind second-placed Portugal going into today's games - on Wednesday in Porto, where a point will be enough if they have beaten Armenia.

Ronaldo said: "These games are two finals, two games that we have to win. The team is prepared and the spirit is the same as ever, one of friendship and professionalism.

"We have had the chance to study the Armenia team on DVD, and we hope that everything goes well. I want to score goals and to set them up for others." Ronaldo is now the main man for his country following the retirement of Luis Figo after the 2006 World Cup, while veteran playmaker Rui Costa is also now out of the picture.

He has been in stunning form throughout the qualifying campaign, hitting eight goals to put Scolari's side in a great position to reach their fifth successive major tournament.

As Ronaldo's influence for United has grown, he has become the man on whom Portugal fans pin their hopes as they try to land a first major trophy.

Portugal will be without Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho, who is out for a month with a back injury.

Portugal New Shirt

Cris : I want England to qualify for Euro 2008

Cristiano Ronaldo last night claimed he is desperate for England to pull off a Euro 2008 miracle - so he can have a rematch with Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney.

Winger Ronaldo infamously winked after his part in getting Rooney sent off in England's quarter-final defeat against Portugal in last year's World Cup.

But Ronaldo admits he would dearly love to face England at next summer's European Championship in Austria and Switzerland.

And he even warned he would use the same dirty tricks again to ensure Portugal won.

Ronaldo said: "I want England to qualify for Euro 2008.

"I want England and Portugal to be there because it would be for the good of the game and every fan wants the big teams at major tournaments.

"But most of all, I would want to play England again because it would be sensational after the spectacle at the last World Cup.

"The story with Rooney in the World Cup is forgotten. "We are good friends, but I insist that I would never change my attitude.

"I would always do anything for Portugal when I play a game for my country."

My ambition has always to be the best

Cristiano Ronaldo has underlined his ambition to become the best player in the world.

Ronaldo is in the running for the most prestigious award any player can receive, the Ballon d'Or - the former European Footballer of the Year award which has been rebranded as World Footballer of the Year.

And the Manchester United winger admits he is determined to 'leave his mark on football history'.

Dream

"My ambition has always to be the best," Ronaldo revealed in his latest DVD - The Boy Who Had a Dream.

"I have always said that I don't have a job, I have a blessing from God because this is what I love best. And if this is what I love best then what I want most is to be the best.

"I dream of it often, I want to leave my mark on football history and if I can keep things up, if I am humble and always willing to learn, then one day I could do it."

Ronaldo also looked back at the 2006 World Cup when he was vilified for his role in Wayne Rooney's sending off as Portugal knocked England out.

No regrets

"If it happened now I'd do the same thing all over again," he insisted.

"I'm representing my country, my nation, my colours.

"What I did was perfectly normal. Lots of people wanted me to be the scapegoat for something because maybe they expected more from England, I don't know, I don't want to speculate.

"I remember after the game Rooney came up to me and said 'Keep it up, you guys have an excellent team, just keep going, you're doing well.'

"I have always been really good friends with him, he sent me messages after the game and I have never had any sort of problem with him.

"Everyone in this industry likes to incite trouble or controversy - my relationship with Wayne is very good."