The heart and soul of Manchester

It seems to be pay back time for Cristiano Ronaldo for the confidence that Sir Alex Ferguson has in him over the years. The form in which he is playing now is so superlative that he has turned the heart and soul of Manchester United. What more with his spectacular face saving goals that has brought the club from the brink of defeats.

Ronaldo has put himself in line for a host of footballer of the year awards with a series of outstanding individual displays in United's increasingly convincing pursuit of the Premiership title.

His contribution has reached a thrilling crescendo over the festive period, during which he has fired two goals in each of the three games, culminating in Saturday's 3-2 win over Reading, taking his tally to the season to 12 and ensuring the Red Devils take full advantage of Chelsea's current defensive problems.

As recently as a couple of months ago, few would have been brave enough to claim United had a better young player on their books than Wayne Rooney. But it is becoming increasingly apparent they do, and, having watched the Portugal wide-man at close quarters this season, team mate Solskjaer is not surprised.

Born 5, February, 1985 Critaino Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, better known as Cristiano Ronaldo, is a professional Portuguese footballer, who plays for Manchester United F.C. and Portugal. He's considered one of the best players in the world and one of the finest young talents today.
Cristiano Ronaldo was born in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal to his mother Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro and his father José Dinis Aveiro. He grew up with a brother, Hugo, and two sisters, Elma and Katia. His second name ("Ronaldo") is relatively rare in Portugal. His parents named him after former US president Ronald Reagan because he was his father's favourite actor, and not for political reasons.

He began kicking a football when he was three, and when he started primary school at age six, his passion for the sport was obvious. His favourite boyhood team was SL Benfica even though he would later join their rival, Sporting CP. He first played for an amateur team, Andorinha, where his father was the kit man, when he was just eight years old.

By 1995, at just ten years of age, Cristiano Ronaldo's reputation was growing in Portugal. Madeira's top two teams, CS Marítimo and CD Nacional were both interested in signing him. Marítimo, the bigger team, missed a crucial meeting with Rui Santos manager of Andorinha, and as a result Ronaldo signed for Nacional. After a title-winning campaign at Nacional, Ronaldo went on a three day trial with Sporting Lisbon who subsequently signed him for an undisclosed sum.

Ronaldo joined Sporting's other youth players who trained at the Alcochete, the club's "football factory," where he received first-class instruction. Sporting realised that Ronaldo needed more support and arranged for his mother to join him. He made his debut for Sporting Lisbon against Moreirense and scored 2 goals. He also featured for Portugal in the UEFA Under 17 Championships.

Ferguson decided that he wanted the youngster for his team, who were in the market for a right-sided midfielder with the departure of David Beckham to Real Madrid; Cristiano was signed for a fee of £12.24 million. He made his debut for Manchester United as a 60th minute substitute against Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford. United were then 1-0 up but with just minutes on the pitch, Ronaldo won a penalty which Ruud van Nistelrooy duly converted. The match ended in a 4-0 win to Manchester United and Ronaldo's contributions were hyped everywhere, with certain British tabloids running headlines such as Seven Heaven. He has played primarily as a winger for United and can play on either wing.

However for all his skill and pace, Ronaldo supposedly did not want the pressure of living up to expectations with this number, and so initially asked for the number 28 which he wore at Sporting. Preferring a free role, he has often been accused of being selfish.

A row between him and Ruud van Nistelrooy at the Carrington training ground intensified speculation about their roles at the club. Ferguson has however put his faith with Ronaldo, who signed a new deal with United that will last through 2010. Ronaldo is also quoted in the Manchester Evening News as saying "United have stood by me and been there for me and I want to repay that.”

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