Superfly

Cristiano Ronaldo, Old Trafford, the hush of an expectant crowd. All the familiar ingredients were in Manchester yesterday, but with one big difference: CR7 wasn’t playing. He was unveiling the latest and lightest installment in the Nike football boot dynasty – the Mercurial Superfly.

Here’s what the World Player of the Year, European Player of the Year and winner of the European Golden Shoe said about working with the Nike development team to bring his dream boot to life.

CR: “I give feedback about what I like best, what makes me feel good and things I’m accustomed to. Nike listens to my feedback and they improve the boots each time. This boot is very different to the one I’m using and I prefer these to my old boots. The Mercurial Vapor Superfly is much lighter and helps me attack faster.”.

And of all the boots out there, why is the Mercurial so special?

CR: “Since I was 16 or 17, I’ve always played with the Mercurial. These boots are very different to others – they’re much lighter, but I think the boots are perfect to play in. It is something very special to play with these boots because they are known for being fast. For people to associate speed with my style of play is flattering.”

When 76 000 fans pack Old Trafford on March 11, one thing’s for certain: with debut goals in both his Mercurial Vapor IV and Mercurial SL boots, the world will be watching the clock to see how long it takes CR7 to hit the scoresheet with his latest weapon.

MU 0:0 Inter

This Champions League last 16 tie is intriguingly poised at the halfway stage, but Sir Alex Ferguson will hope that the lack of an away goal – one that looked odds on in a dominant first half – won’t come back to bite the Reds.

At least United’s task in the second leg at Old Trafford is simple: win. Any other results – apart from 0-0, which would take the game into extra time – would see Jose Mourinho’s men triumph. But if the first half performance is anything to go by, the Reds’ chances look good. The balance of the opening 45 minutes was so ludicrously tipped in United’s favour that a goal, or a few of them, seemed inevitable. But Internazionale returned a different team in the second half, no longer beleaguered by the Reds’ commanding football.....More

To kill.....or be killed

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo emphasised the importance of tomorrow's Champions League tie against Inter Milan - 'it's kill or be killed.'

The knockout stage begins this week with the holders and Barclays Premier League leaders United up against a team on course to win their fourth consecutive Serie A title.

The mind games between Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho will provide a fascinating sideshow to what many see as the tie of the round.

Ronaldo said: 'They are a team we have to respect. They are a very good side who lead the Italian league by a lot of points so we must be very careful.

'It's time to kill - or be killed.'

No team have ever retained the Champions League but Ronaldo aims to help United create history after the shootout victory over Chelsea in last year's final.

The World Player of the Year said: 'The feeling of the Champions League is unique.

'When you hear the music and you come out onto the pitch it's a completely different game and atmosphere to the others.

'The emotion of winning my first Champions League medal was spectacular. When [Edwin] van der Sar stopped [Nicolas] Anelka's penalty it was like the earth stood still.

'I hope to repeat that feeling very soon.'

Cris:I was pleased with my goal

Cristiano Ronaldo was pleased to grab the winner to send United eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Ronaldo conjured one of his special free-kicks to clinch a hard-fought and, he says, deserved 2-1 win.

“The most important thing is that we are top of the table and now we are eight points ahead of Liverpool,” Ronaldo told MUTV.

"I’m very happy that we got three points. It was a very tough game. The manager said before the game that it was going to be one of the toughest games of the season. He has experience and he knows better than anyone. We saw in the game that Blackburn created chances and they were a dangerous team playing on the counter attack.

“We controlled most of the game and had more opportunities. At the end of the day I think we deserved to win because we looked to score goals.”

Ronaldo felt that he was unfairly singled out for diving, when Rovers midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen also took a tumble in the box and got away with it. “I thought Pedersen dived. It wasn’t a penalty. Pedersen dived and didn’t get a yellow card, but I dived and he did book me! But I suppose that’s just the situation of the game.”

But ultimately Ronaldo’s most important contribution was his goal after an hour. The free kick from the corner of the penalty area was struck with such venom and speed that Paul Robinson saw it late coming through a crowd of bodies. The Portuguese winger was pleased with the importance of the strike as much as how it looked.

“I was pleased with my goal, it was a good free kick and an important goal. I’m looking forward to seeing it on television!”

Boss hails Ronaldo winner

Cristiano Ronaldo’s winning strike against Blackburn was “fantastic”, according to Sir Alex Ferguson, who jumped to the defence of his Portuguese star when it was claimed he could have been sent off.

“He’s done it so many times before,” the boss said. “It was a fantastic strike. I think the fact that there were so many bodies in the box and in front of the ball, it gave the goalkeeper no chance. He hit it with such speed and bend on the ball that it was very difficult for [Paul Robinson]. It was a fantastic strike.”

The United boss also accused referee Howard Webb of inconsistency, having booked Ronaldo for diving but failing to dish out the same punishment for Morten Gamst Pedersen, who went down with ease under minimal contact from Rafael.

“He wasn’t fortunate to be on the pitch at all,” Sir Alex said, responding to Setanta’s claim that Ronalod should have been sent off. “The referee spoke to him when Ronaldo flicked out [on a challenge on David Dunn]. The boy kicked him, Ronaldo flicked out but it was no more than that. The referee thought it was fine and gave him a warning.

“You see it time and time again with Ronaldo, the press will make a meal of it. He has to live with that kind of examination. But it would have been a ridiculous sending off.

“Ronaldo got booked for diving, quite right. What did Pedersen do? It was an absolute dive, yet he’s not been booked. He either gives a penalty or he books Pedersen. It’s either or. It was nowhere near a penalty kick. Rafa came behind him, and his hand touched the Pedersen’s shoulder, and as soon as he felt it he immediately dives. I don’t understand why he doesn’t get a yellow card but Ronaldo does. It’s not right.”

MU 2:1 Blackburn

United went eight points clear at the top of the league after victory over Blackburn Rovers on Saturday evening.

As is customary of late, Sir Alex’s men won by the narrowest of margins, although for the first time since November the Reds conceded a league goal. United were made to work hard for the points but goals from Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo proved enough to seal an 11th consecutive win in all competitions.

Sir Alex made five changes to the side that beat Fulham 3-0 in midweek. Jonny Evans came in for Nemanja Vidic to get some more minutes under his belt before United’s trip to the San Siro on Tuesday (the Serbian is suspended for that match), although the youngster now looks unlikely to play in that match after limping off injured after 61 minutes. Elsewhere, Rafael replaced John O’Shea at right-back, Wayne Rooney was handed his first start in six weeks and Nani replaced Ji-sung Park on the left wing.....More

MUTV Interview

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Eurogoals One to One CR Interview

MU 3:0 Fulham

Goals from Paul Scholes, Dimitar Berbatov and the returning Wayne Rooney brought United a tenth straight win in all competitions, and with it a handsome lead in the Barclays Premier League.

So now at last the table truly reflects the Reds’ advantage. With the same number of games played, United are superior to nearest rivals Liverpool by five points and nine goals.

The champions' superiority in this particular contest was rarely in doubt, even with Sir Alex Ferguson making seven changes to the side that booked a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals and a possible rematch with Fulham on 7 March.

Edwin van der Sar returned in pursuit of his 14th consecutive league clean sheet and there were also recalls at the back for John O’Shea and Nemanja Vidic. Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes rejoined the midfield while Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez were reunited as the front two.....More

MU 4:1 Derby

United cruised into the FA Cup quarter-finals after a professional demolition of Derby County at Pride Park.

Nani’s thunderous sixth of the season and a fine volley from Darron Gibson put the Reds in control at the break, before Cristiano Ronaldo’s bullet header made it three.

Derby, the only side who can claim to have beaten the world champions, got back into the game through Miles Addison’s header but never seriously threatened to complete an unlikely comeback and Reds substitute Danny Welbeck netted an exquisite fourth.....More

CR penalty earns Portugal win over Finland

A second-half Cristiano Ronaldo penalty earned Portugal a 1-0 victory against Finland in a friendly on Wednesday but the hosts far from impressed with their poor finishing.

Portugal have struggled to find form since coach Carlos Queiroz took charge last summer and hope to overcome a weak start in 2010 World Cup Group One qualifying by beating Sweden in Porto next month.

"It's a shame we didn't score one or two more goals. It is a problem for me and the players to solve, but the pitch was not in a great state and didn't allow us to pass, control and finish more efficiently," Queiroz said.

Queiroz made six changes to the side that was thrashed 6-2 by Brazil in a friendly in November, but despite creating over 20 chances his team could not score from open play.

Pepe was moved up from his usual central defence role to play in front of Bruno Alves and Rolando, but with the Finns posing little attacking threat the performance of the Portugal front line became the focus of attention.

Portugal had most of the possession in the first half, but failed to break down a well-organised Finnish defence. Ronaldo volleyed just wide and Hugo Almeida went close with a header, but Portugal resorted mainly to shooting from distance.

Finland, who came into the friendly after a 5-1 thrashing by Japan last week, had their first chance on 39 minutes when a powerful Mikael Forsell drive was blocked by keeper Eduardo.

Portugal created more chances in the second-half with debutant Orlando Sa shooting wide from close range and defender Paulo Ferreira forcing substitute keeper Niki Maenpaa into a smart save.

The breakthrough came on 79 minutes with Ronaldo converting a penalty after Sami Hyypia fouled substitute striker Danny.

FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldo was pleased with the performance and said Portugal "had managed to create many chances against a team which has tall and strong players who stay behind the ball".

"I hope this win signals a turnaround for a great year. I am sure things will improve from now on," he added.

MU 1:0 West Ham

The Reds reclaimed top spot in the Premier League with an efficient display against West Ham. And though the match may not have been a classic, Ryan Giggs’ match-winning goal certainly was.

The Welsh winger had been yet to find the net in the league this season, but the 35-year-old has been refined to save all his experience and talent for a time when it matters most.
....More

On top of the World

According to Cristiano Ronaldo, there is no tougher taskmaster than he is to himself. The Portugal winger spent the turn of the year collecting one award after another, reaping the rewards of an exceptional 12 months with Manchester United FC. Having set such high standards, he is determined to maintain them.

Ambition
"I know I've won a lot, but I'm the one who set the bar at that level," he told uefa.com. "Now I have to be prepared for what happens in the future. I'm a player with a lot of ambition and a strong character. No matter what others might say, I'll keep thinking that way. I'll continue to do the things I've done since 2003, 2004, 2005. Nothing will change in me, probably the opposite. My ambition will grow – to win at club level as well as personally. Because the feeling I get from winning is a good one. I'm a winner and I'm going to want more victories."

Wonderful year
Ronaldo was in Zurich on 12 January to add the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year crown to the Ballon d'Or he picked up in Paris the previous month. He scored eight goals in United's victorious UEFA Champions League campaign and 31 more as they reclaimed the Premier League title – achievements also recognised by uefa.com users who voted him into their Team of the Year 2008.

Dream come true
"Winning the domestic championship, winning the Champions League, then becoming champions of the world – it was a spectacular year," the 24-year-old said. "And on a personal level it was phenomenal. It was a dream to be named European Footballer of the Year. That was what I had longed for over many years. It's very important because it's my country, my colours [that I represent] ... and you are being referred to as the best. I'm now on the same page as great players like Eusébio and [Luís] Figo. But I'm definitely not going to relax, because I want to win more. The feeling was so good that I want to repeat it."

Icing the cake
Personal gongs, though, come second to team glory. "I'm fortunate to play at a big club with great players, who can win many things. The individual prizes come as the icing on the cake and that's what happened last year. When you get on the pitch, what you want most of all is to help the team win, to score goals and make assists, and that's what I try to do."

Gratitude
Since arriving from Sporting Clube de Portugal in 2003, Ronaldo has proved to be one of the most important signings of Sir Alex Ferguson's 22 years at the Old Trafford helm. Not surprisingly, the No7 is quick to credit the manager for his part in his success. "I came to the club because of him, because he watched me in a few matches and liked the way I played. I've evolved with him and we've won many things together.

'Still learning'
"I've learned a lot from him and I feel privileged to work with him. The success we have as players, he also has. I hope to win more with him. I'm very happy to have won trophies with him because he's a great coach and he deserves it." And, Ronaldo insists, there is plenty more to learn from Sir Alex. "If you think you know everything, you won't get anywhere. I think I still have a lot to learn. The toughest part of my learning curve is still to come. At the end of my career, I'll still be learning.

Value of experience
"That's what I want most, and I know I have to improve some things. But that comes with time and with playing games. The experience you gain helps, in the sense that at the right moment you do the right thing. I have my whole career in front of me. If I think I've seen it all and done it all, I'm wrong. I still have a lot to go through, and I'm prepared for that. And I'm completely prepared to win more."

Happy Birthday Cristiano Ronaldo!

The Portugal winger turns 24 today, but is still hungry for more trophies success with Manchester United.

Despite nursing his way back to full fitness following an ankle injury that was initially expected to keep the Portuguese international sidelined for three months, Cristiano Ronaldo returned in late September.

He is yet to hit top form, but is still one of the most efficient attackers in European football having beaten the goalkeepers of Everton; West Brom; Derby County; Gamba Osaka; Stoke City; Hull City; West Ham United; West Brom; Bolton; and Middlesbrough.

The latest recipient of FIFA's prestigious World Player of the Year award turns 24 today, and despite lifting aloft the Championship League, the Premier League, and the FIFA Club World Cup in the space of a year, the trickster is still desperate for more success with Manchester United.

"I’ve spoken to some experienced players who have a great history in the game and they’ve said, it’s not what you do in one season, it’s staying at the top level, that is the challenge," he informed the club's official website.


"I have to carry on like that. If I don’t perform, I know people will start to criticise me and I don’t want that. I’m an ambitious player and I want to win many, many more things.

Last season's 42-goal phenomenon has been constantly linked with a move to Real Madrid, and the night he was awarded the World's greatest player of 2008, fresh rumours were printed in the Spanish and British press indicating that a coprighting of the term CR9 had been undertaken.

"I feel at home in Manchester," he said, perhaps refuting the notion he was unhappy with life in the North West. "I’ve been here since I was 18. I like living here and my family like to visit. The only bad thing is there are no direct planes from Madeira!

"But my mum and sister like to visit, it’s a nice place, nice people, they’re always good with me, no one gives me any problems. My life is brilliant!" he beamed.

Cris happy with his form

Cristiano Ronaldo declared himself satisfied after scoring the winner against Everton – but insists all that matters is that the team keep winning.

Following his brace at West Brom on Tuesday, the winger netted his 14th goal of the season from the penalty spot on Saturday to send the Reds five points clear at the top.

"I am happy with my season, but the most important thing is the team," Ronaldo told MUTV."We are top, the lads are playing very well, I’ve scored a few important goals and want to carry on doing my job to help the team.

"It was very tough today. Everton had a good game at the weekend against Liverpool and we knew it was going to be difficult.

"But we played well, especially in the first half when we created a few chances and managed to score the goal. The second half was a little more difficult, with Everton just playing on the counter-attack."

Ronaldo was not too disappointed that United failed to add to his opener and credited Everton's resilience.

"If we win every game 1-0 it’s good!" he continued. "Sometimes it’s important to score goals but Everton are a difficult team to play against. We have to appreciate the attitude and character of the team."

Ronaldo also reserved praise for Edwin van der Sar, who kept his 12th consecutive league clean sheet to break a 30-year-old English league record.

Ronaldo said: "It’s unbelievable! Edwin deserves it because he is a great goalkeeper and a great man who works a lot for his age! I’m really happy not just for him but for all the lads, especially the defenders who support him a lot."

Third-placed Liverpool host second-placed Chelsea on Sunday when both sides will be fighting tooth and nail to claw the ground back on United.

"It’ll be a tough game," Ronaldo added. "Maybe a draw is the best result, but one or both of them will definitely drop points!"

MU 1:0 Everton; Cris score penalty

Another game, another United win, another record.

This hard-fought victory extended the champions’ lead at the top of the table and, in keeping another clean sheet, Edwin van der Sar has now broken the all-time record in the entire English football league.

Like last season, the game was settled by a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty. This one, which came just before the interval, was the winger’s 14th goal of the season.....More