Portugal's Ariza Makukula and Cristiano Ronaldo gave them a 2-1 win over Kazakhstan in their Euro 2008 Group A qualifier on Wednesday.
Portugal Captain Cristiano Ronaldo was evidently pleased with the result of his fifty-first appearance for the Selecção das Quinas as his goal ensured that Portugal got to export all three points back home from Kazakhstan. The Manchester United idol is Portugal’s top scorer in the Euro 2008 qualifiers by a long chalk – his eight goals being five above currently injured centre-forward Nuno Gomes and currently injured attacking midfielder Simão.
His strike against Kazakhstan was also his twenty-third for his country at absolute international level, but he was still cautious. “We’re in a far better position in the group but we must remember that there are still two crucial games to be played in Portugal.”
“We knew it wasn’t going to be plain sailing because Kazakhstan is a team that runs a lot but we managed to get things going in the second half because we transformed possession into goals”, he explained.
“We showed that we’re a great team and I would like to congratulate Makukula as we’d played together before in the Under 21s and it was good for him to make his debut scoring as he is a strong player, so I’m happy for him, for me and for Portugal but it’s too soon to really celebrate”.
Cristiano Ronaldo will inherit the Portugual captain's armband from Nuno Gomes tonight as the Selecção das Quinas travel to face Kazakhstan, but insists that the responsibility holds no fear for him...
Cristiano Ronaldo will don the Portuguese captain's armband tonight as his country takes on Kazakhstan in Almaty this evening, but seems entirely unfazed by the responsibility.
"I don't feel any sort of pressure," he shrugged. "The only pressure I feel is that of winning, and to do the shirt justice with a fine performance."
The 22 year old striker has been in fine form for club and country over the past year, suggesting that he will be a key influence in Kazakhstan this evening.
Nonetheless, he claims that his powers depend partially on his various dressing room superstitions.
"I always undergo the same routine," he said of his pre-match rituals.
"Once the coach reveals the lineup, I take a ball into the dressing room and start juggling it.
"It's fun, and it helps relieve any tension that I have in the buildup to the match.
"And like many footballers, I have superstitions. For example, I must always step onto the pitch with my right foot first at the start of a game."
Bruno Alves and Hugo Almeida scored first-half goals Saturday to lead Portugal over 10-man Azerbaijan 2-0 in a European Championship qualifying match.
After three consecutive draws, Portugal won and improved to 20 points from 11 matches in Group A. Alves put the visitors in the lead by scoring off a corner kick in the 12th minute. Almeida made it 2-0 seconds before halftime.
Azerbaijan was reduced to 10 men after Aslan Kerimov elbowed Cristiano Ronaldo into the face in the 27th minute. Portugal outshot the hosts 21-4, including 10 on target.
United fans have backed Cristiano Ronaldo to continue his 2006/07 form and top the Reds' scoring charts come the end of the season.
More than 7000 ManUtd.com visitors participated in the poll, which saw the Portuguese winger blitz the field with a staggering 54 per cent of the votes. Ronaldo scored 23 times last season and has already found the net four times during the current campaign, inlcuding one against former club Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.
Meanwhile, England international Wayne Rooney, who also scored 23 times last season, placed second in the poll with 30 per cent of the votes, while summer signing Carlos Tevez rounded out the top three. Tevez took some time before netting his first United goal but has now scored twice in his last three league appearances.
Poll Results: Who will finish top scorer in 2007/08? 54% – Cristiano Ronaldo 30% – Wayne Rooney 13% – Carlos Tevez 2% – Louis Saha 1% – Other
Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice as Manchester United blew away their goalscoring woes with an emphatic 4-0 victory against Wigan that sent them top of the Premier League on Saturday.
Ronaldo's double, which followed Carlos Tevez's 54th minute opener, made the game safe for United before Wayne Rooney cemented victory with his first league goal of the season in the closing stages at Old Trafford.
This is Cristiano Ronaldo’s first and only official book. Moments, with a foreword by Sir Bobby Charlton, offers a unique insight into the world of football’s biggest star.
Cristiano Ronaldo realises his youth does not give him the right to claim this book as an autobiography. He does, however, wholeheartedly welcome the reader into his life; sharing thoughts on the most striking and intense experiences of his life on and off the pitch. With these stories, and over 150 sumptuous photographs to accompany the text, his fans will find as much joy in turning the page as they would watching him play football.
Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has denied ever saying that Roma players begged him for mercy during last season’s meeting in the Champions League.
In the build-up to Tuesday’s re-match between Man Utd and Roma, the press printed extracts from Ronaldo’s book, which supposedly said that some Roma players pleaded with the winger not to “do any more dribbles”. However Ronaldo has rubbished these reports and says that everything has been misinterpreted.
“Read my book and you will see on page 112 exactly what happened,” he stressed. “A Roma player did ask me to stop dribbling, but obviously he was joking just like some English players do when they ask me to switch to the other side of the pitch.
“Roma played well and had some good chances and we aren’t the side we were in April. But we are improving and we will be better at the Olimpico in December.”
Ronaldo also accepted that the elbow he received off Roma striker Mirko Vucinic, which caused him to require stitches for a facial wound, was not deliberate.
“It wasn’t an intentional foul,” Ronaldo said. “It was just one of those things that happen during a game.
“I don’t like black eyes, but Vucinic didn’t do it on purpose and these things happen in football.”
Cristiano Ronaldo could be found yesterday wearing dark shades and a diamond-encrusted baseball cap deliberately pulled low to conceal the gash above his right eye, inflicted by a flailing elbow during Manchester United's 1-0 victory over Roma. Typically, he wore the stitches like a fashion statement. "It's not a problem," he said. "In four or five days I will be beautiful once again."
Ronaldo had to leave the pitch after the collision with Mirko Vucinic but he was at pains to emphasise that Roma's substitute had not set out to injure him. "I don't think it was intentional," he said. "I don't like to look like this but this kind of thing can happen in football." None the less, there was an important issue for Ronaldo to address in the wake of Sir Alex Ferguson's complaints that his talented winger was not getting enough protection from referees. This has been a recurring grievance for Ferguson over the past couple of years but it has gained momentum this season, with the United manager speaking of his concerns that Ronaldo is in danger of suffering a "serious injury".
Ronaldo nodded in agreement when he was reminded of those words and he described Ferguson as doing "a great job trying to protect me". He has already promised the manager he will never again retaliate, as he did against Portsmouth's Richard Hughes to be sent off on the opening week of the season. The Portugal international remembers the subsequent three-game suspension making him "suffer more than at any time in the last three years" and there was a message for any defenders planning to subject him to rough treatment. "I will never allow these players to intimidate me," he said.
He was launching his first book, Moments, and there was a notable air of confidence after the previous night's defeat of Roma, a result that means United have six points from their opening two Champions League ties and look certainties to qualify from Group F. "We are in a great position to win the Champions League this year," he said. "It is the one [club] competition I have not won, and this is my dream for the season. I genuinely believe we have a great chance."
That may be so, but Ronaldo's team-mate, Rio Ferdinand, offered a more conservative appraisal when he admitted being dissatisfied with the team's performances, complaining that they were not doing enough to entertain their supporters, with six of the last eight games ending 1-0. "We always like to keep clean sheets but Manchester United is not just about winning games," Ferdinand said. "We have to entertain the fans as well. When you play for Manchester United that is made very plain to you."
Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo needed four stitches after being elbowed in the face several minutes before the end of Tuesday night's Champions League match at Old Trafford, United manager Alex Ferguson said.
Ronaldo left the pitch in the 85th minute with his face covered in blood and with an injury to his right eyebrow following an elbow from Mirko Vucinic.
"He (Ronaldo) told us that it was a deliberate," Ferguson said after the match which United won 1-0 thanks to a Wayne Rooney goal.
After netting United's winner against Birmingham City, Cristiano Ronaldo insisted his best form is yet to come. The winger's 52nd minute solo effort was his second goal of the campaign and gave United a fifth successive league victory.
Ronaldo, who bagged 23 goals last season, has been happy with his recent form, but said he is yet to hit top gear. "My form is coming," he told MUTV. "I always try to work hard in training and hopefully I will keep improving and more goals will come as well.
"But my main concern is the team - I think only about that. The most important thing in football is getting the three points and I was pleased we did that against Birmingham."
The 22-year-old admitted United rode their luck at times at St. Andrews, but still felt they deserved the win over Steve Bruce's side.
"It was a very tough game against a good team. They created a few difficult moments for us, but thankfully we managed to keep them out," he said.
"We didn't play as well as we can, but sometimes you can win matches without playing well.
"Our good football is coming. We have great players at the club and great staff and we will improve."
Cristiano Ronaldo's first goal of the Barclays Premier League campaign secured a fifth successive league win for Sir Alex Ferguson's side following the 1-0 victory over Birmingham at St Andrews. But his side were pushed all the way by Steve Bruce's battlers before climbing back into second spot - two points adrift of Arsenal who also have a game in hand. Ronaldo settled the issue six minutes into the second half and United have now kept five successive clean sheets in the league since losing the Manchester derby.
Carlos Tevez struck his first goal for the club in injury time at the end of the first half before Louis Saha capped off a dominant Reds display with a late penalty in a match that saw Chelsea reduced to ten men after John Obi Mikel’s sending off.....More
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo admitted to mixed emotions after his header sealed a 1-0 win for Manchester United at Sporting Lisbon in their Champions League Group F clash. The winger received a warm reception from home fans at the club where he began his professional career, but there was no room for sentiment when he nodded home Wes Brown's cross in the 62nd minute for the only goal.
United's Ronaldo, whose celebrations were muted, told Sky Sports afterwards: "This is my colour, red, this is my team, but I like Sporting - it's my second home and I am a little bit sad, but Manchester is my team.
"These people are very important to me. But I am happy for the victory and three points."
He added: "It was a perfect night - I score, I win, it was great for Manchester United. It is always important to win away.
"It was a fantastic game that everyone enjoyed and I think the result was fair."
Ronaldo spent seven years wearing Sporting green before he left for Old Trafford in 2003 with a 12.2million price tag.
He marked his return home by providing the Red Devils with only their third Champions League away win in 15 encounters.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted to open with a win away from Old Trafford. "Winning your first game away from home sets the tone for us," he said.
"At half-time we looked to improve our game with more penetration and I think we did.
"They had some opportunities on the edge of the box but never really opened us up."
Ferguson was happy with Wayne Rooney's contribution as he lasted more than 70 minutes in his first appearance since breaking his foot on the opening day of the season.
"It was difficult to know how long to keep him on but the goal made it easy," he said. "I'm sure he'll be ready for Sunday (against Chelsea)."
Cristiano Ronaldo is hoping for a warm reception when he steps out at the Estádio José Alvalade in the red of Manchester United FC in the UEFA Champions League. 'Second home' Ronaldo joined United for €17.5m in August 2003 after coming up through the Sporting youth system and is looking forward to playing against the team where he made his name. "It's always good to come back to my second home," he said. "I have lots of friends and colleagues here. I like Sporting a lot but my primary colour now is red. To be honest I think the people like me here and the reception will be different than the last season in Estádio da Luz [when United played SL Benfica]. They are different people. I was booed but that's in the past. I think the reception will be good here."
Emotional return Ronaldo admits it will be an emotional return, but he is focused on one thing alone; going one better than last season when United reached the semi-finals. "I will have to wait until tomorrow to see what my feelings are but I have been expecting to play against Sporting, a club where I spent so much time, for a while now. I expect a normal match, very emotional, but I believe we can win it because we're better than Sporting in every respect."
'Great game' The 22-year-old has fond memories of this fixture. The two teams met in a friendly here four years ago and the home side ran out 3-1 winners – with Ronaldo impressing in the green and white of Sporting. "I have watched that match many times," he said. "It was a great game for me. I felt extra motivation back then because it was the very first match in the new Estádio José Alvalade and I was facing the team I always dreamed of playing for."
Dazzling United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would make that dream a reality soon after and his decision to sign the winger has been vindicated many times over. Ronaldo has gone on to score 50 goals in 194 appearances for United, his dazzling performances last season helping the club to their first Premier League title since 2003. "I think it's difficult for an 18-year-old boy to settle at a new club in a new country as well as Cristiano did," Sir Alex said. "Young boys have to grow to develop and it is the speed of his development was surprising. He is a more mature player now."
MILLIONS of women want to bed him - and millions of fellas would love to be him.
But Manchester United's hunky winger Cristiano Ronaldo reckons it's not all fun and games being a Premiership footballer.
The 22-year-old hunk - who earns £135,000 a week - claims it's tough at the top and can sometimes be a lonely place.
He said: "Many people have images of footballers as people who like to go out all the time, spend their money lavishly and to date many women. "It’s hard to escape this idea but dealing with the pressures of being a famous footballer and the publicity it attracts can be very difficult.
"Footballer’s lifestyles are always under scrutiny but the image and publicity about wealth, glitz and good times often fail to tell the true story.
"Sometimes it is a very lonely world and we don’t feel safe in any place.
"Yet our status and our salaries mean we rarely win the public’s sympathy."
Cristiano's off-pitch exploits - including an alleged romp with five escort girls earlier this month - are infamous.
He's been linked to telly babe Gemma Atkinson and Bollywood star Bipasha Basu to name a few.
Although his dream woman, Angelina Jolie, is married to Hollywood hunk Brad Pitt, Cristiano claims he's too busy for women anyway.
In the interview with Hello! magazine, he went on: "I come under intense media scrutiny so I am very private about the girls I date.
"I am a gentleman, and I do not want them to experience the media pressure, which I have learned to ignore.
"For me, a girl does not need to be famous for me to like her.
"I do have my romantic moments but I am sensible. It is company that is important for me.
“I would like to marry, maybe in my thirties, but I have not met the right girl yet.
"For me, it is what is inside a beautiful woman that is important, although she must also be beautiful, like Angelina Jolie.
“I appreciate funny, kind, friendly women with good conversation and laughing is one of my favourite pastimes, although the time is not right for me to have a relationship.
"Football is my life. That is my focus.”
With his reported £40m fortune Cristiano can afford to splash out on the finer things in life. Recent treats have included as a Bentley GT convertible, several pieces of diamond jewellery and even a mansion in Lisbon.
But the soccer star admits there's one thing he'd love that money can't buy - kids.
Cristiano says: "Every year at Christmas I dress up as Santa Claus, in full costume – it is a family tradition – and bring the gifts to the children," he said.
"When I am with the children in the family I get broody."
Cristiano was a 12-year-old child himself when he left Madeira determined to make it big in the world of football.
And although he sometimes misses home, he also loves life in the UK.
He added: "The best thing about Britain is the people – they are fair.
"When you do well, they say so. When not so well, they say so.
“I feel privileged the British people have taken me to their hearts."
Cristiano Ronaldo has vowed not to react to provocation as he returns to Premier League action with Manchester United.
The 22-year-old has served a three-match ban following his dismissal at Portsmouth, where Sir Alex Ferguson criticised the Portugal international for being provoked. And Ronaldo has insisted he will no longer retaliate on the pitch.
He told the Daily Mail: "I've learned a lot from this punishment.
"Now I am mentally prepared to tolerate anything my rivals throw at me. They cannot provoke me any more.
"This is a promise I've made to the manager. It will never happen. I wouldn't wish the experience of the past few weeks on anybody and I know I'm of no use to the club if I'm not on the field.
"I live for football and during the last few weeks I've suffered more than at any time in the past three years.
"It has been an incredible feeling not to be able to help the team."
Manchester United celebrated the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to their line-up by chalking up a third consecutive 1-0 win, at Everton on Saturday. Sir Alex Ferguson's side, who have struggled for form and goals over the first month of the season, appeared to be heading for their third draw in six matches as Everton matched them for long periods at Goodison Park.
But with seven minutes left Nemanja Vidic got his head to a near post corner from new signing Nani to clinch all three points for the champions. Ronaldo, who was back in the side after serving a three-match suspension for head-butting Portsmouth's Richard Hughes last month, had vowed to steer clear of trouble but that did not prevent him from collecting a yellow card for diving.
Poland remain top of Euro 2008 Qualifying Group A after a 2-2 draw with Portugal in Lisbon.
Mariusz Lewandowski´s first-half strike was cancelled out by Maniche five minutes into the second half before Cristiano Ronaldo volleyed in to give the hosts the lead with 18 minutes remaining.
However, two minutes from time Jacek Krzynowek scored with a 30-yard strike, which hit the post before going in off Portuguese stopper Ricardo, to rescue a point for the visitors, who remain top of the table from second-placed Finland.
Cristiano Ronaldo saved Portugal from an embarrassing defeat in Armenia on Wednesday while Belgium dented Serbia's hopes of reaching Euro 2008 with a 3-2 qualifying win.
David Healy, the competition's top scorer, notched two goals to help Northern Ireland go second in Group F with a 3-1 victory over Liechtenstein.
Three of the night's six qualifiers involved teams in Group A where Portugal and Serbia's dropped points enabled Finland to move above them in the table with a 2-1 win at home to Kazakhstan.
Portugal found themselves a goal down in the 10th minute when Armenia's Robert Arzumanyan headed in a corner.
Manchester United winger Ronaldo calmed the visitors' rattled nerves in the 38th when he robbed an opponent and weaved and jinked his way into the penalty area before sliding the ball into the net.
Cristiano Ronaldo is adamant he should not be sitting out the Manchester derby after his red card in United's midweek draw with Portsmouth.The Portuguese winger is currently serving a three-match ban following his dismissal for an apparent headbutt on Pompey's Richard Hughes in the Fratton Park clash. The champions have picked up just two points from their opening two games, and will now be stripped of their star man's talents for the games against City, Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland.
But while Sir Alex Ferguson was quick to condemn any reaction from his players, Ronaldo refused accept the red card he was given was justified.
"The replays show there was nothing," Ronaldo told the Sun.
"But I don't need to look at the pictures, because I know exactly what I did - and that's nothing to justify a red card."
Ronaldo was eager to point out he did not headbutt Hughes in their coming together.
"I was pushed in the area. He came straight to me, put his hand on my neck and I opened my arms in a 'that's enough' way. We pushed each other but nothing serious," he added.
"We leaned heads against each other but that was all. Absolutely nothing else happened.
"When I saw the red card, I couldn't believe it, the situation was so surreal.
"And it's absurd because I'm aware that now I'll sit out a ban for something I didn't do. I feel dejected and very sad."
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has condemned Cristiano Ronaldo for reacting to provocation. The Portugal winger, 22, was sent off for appearing to headbutt Richard Hughes in United's draw at Portsmouth.
Ferguson said: "Cristiano is responsible for falling into the trap of intimidation, which has happened to him a few times. "I've seen the replay and there's nothing conclusive, my take is that he was provoked and he has fallen for it."
Ronaldo will miss three games, the standard ban for violent conduct, including Saturday's derby game with Manchester City.
It was his third red card since joining Manchester United, shown by referee Steve Bennett, who also came in for criticism from Ferguson.
The United boss said: "Steve Bennett sent him off at Manchester City and he will have loved the opportunity to send him off again.
"Carlos Tevez didn't get any protection either, I don't know how many times he got fouled from behind. He had to suffer a lot."
Portsmouth also had midfielder Sulley Muntari sent off after being shown two yellow cards.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off for violent conduct as Manchester United slipped four points off the pace of the fledgling Barclays Premier League table with a fiery 1-1 draw at Portsmouth.
Ronaldo was given a straight red as Manchester United were held to a draw at Portsmouth. After being held to a surprise goalless stalemate by 10-man Reading in their opening clash, the champions looked set for a three-point haul thanks to a typical Paul Scholes goal 15 minutes in.
The former England midfielder connected first time with debutant Carlos Tevez's lay-off from the edge of the box, giving David James no chance. Portsmouth levelled in the 53rd minute when Benjani Mwaruwari timed his run from deep to perfection to power a header home from Matthew Taylor's left-wing cross.
Portsmouth's Sulley Muntari was shown red after 83 minutes after picking up a second yellow card and two minutes later Ronaldo was also given his marching orders by referee Steve Bennett after an incident involving Richard Hughes.
"He was provoked. He fell into the trap and he paid the penalty," said United manager Alex Ferguson who thought his side put up a good performance.
Ronaldo will now miss this weekend's Manchester derby plus two more games.
Wayne Rooney suffered a hairline fracture of his left foot as Manchester United stumbled at the first hurdle in their Barclays Premier League title defence, held to an Old Trafford draw by 10-man Reading.
With Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea all scrambling victories from their opening fixtures, United immediately find themselves adrift after a game of missed chances......More
He may be regarded as the best player in the world, but Cristiano Ronaldo admits Sir Alex Ferguson makes sure he does not step out of line.
In fact, Fergie rules Manchester United with such an iron fist, it reminds the winger of his early days at home in Portugal.
"He's like my mother or my father, he gives me limits and targets," said the 22-year-old. "But he's fair. The work I've done with Sir Alex has been very helpful. I speak almost every day with him. He knows how to create a good atmosphere."
Ronaldo gave a rare insight into his relationship with the Old Trafford manager, acknowledging the debt of gratitude he owes for Fergie helping to turn him into such a formidable player. He scooped all the Player of the Year awards last season for his inspired role in helping United to a ninth Premiership title, but confessed he can still incur Fergie's wrath when the veteran boss is on the warpath.
"Sometimes he shakes me, he shouts at me, it's normal," said Ronaldo. "At half-time during games, he has shouted at me a few times, but always to improve me. People say he's mellowed, but he can still get angry - believe me!
"Before every game the manager tells me 'Cristiano, enjoy yourself, use your skills'. I listen to that. I like dribbling, it's my style. But I've never taken the mickey out of my opponents. I respect them.
"At the highest level, if you don't respect your opponents, you won't get a touch. Every dribble asks for a lot of concentration, it's very demanding, against anyone."
Despite all his individual awards last term, it is clear the Premiership title - United's first in four seasons - meant the most.
By the same token, United's agonising defeats to AC Milan in the semi-final of the Champions League and Chelsea in the FA Cup Final are the enduring memories that will drive on Ronaldo in pursuit of more honours this season.
"Last season I was voted Player of the Year by the players, the journalists and the supporters," said Ronaldo in Zoo magazine.
"You don't get that kind of unanimity without having a great season. It was a reward for all my hard work and means I reached my targets.
"But an individual trophy will never be as strong as one you share with your team-mates, even though it remains a great joy. I am proud of what I did."
Despite the heroics which turned Ronaldo from Public Enemy No.1 following his World Cup spat with Wayne Rooney, into the Premiership's star attraction, there are still those who remain unconvinced by the Portugal international.
He polarises opinion like no other player. There are those who continue to brand him a diver, those who feel he goes to ground too easily and those who claim he only turns on the style against lesser opponents and has not proved himself a big-game player.
They are charges Ronaldo rejects. "Last season, I had great games against Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in the league," he said. "I was good against Roma in the Champions League. There was a lot at stake in those games. I think I've shown I can be good in important games. The only ones who really matter to me are the United fans. If the opposition supporters respect me, that's all good. But if they hate me? Fair enough, I accept it.
"I know that during certain games I do too much. But I can't deny myself. This is my way of playing football, I take risks, I dribble, I shoot.
"With the replays, people can make their own opinion. But I don't cheat. I don't do that. Some people don't like me and have a bad opinion of me, but what can I do?
"During last season's derby against Manchester City, a player stamped on me. The supporters booed me and said I had simulated. I don't care. I do my work. People have their own opinion of me, I can't do anything about it."
Despite his elevation to A-list celebrity status, confirmation of which came when he was mobbed by adoring fans everywhere he went on United's pre-season tour of the Far East, Ronaldo insists nothing will be allowed to affect his love of the game.
"Football is my life," he said. "When I was a kid, I only dreamt about it, to play in big stadiums, to be a professional and to win titles. This is the life I have always dreamt about, so how can I be sad?
"Sometimes you get upset by missed chances and defeats. I can be angry on the pitch, but never sad. I enjoy myself with a ball. I don't ever recall a game when I didn't have fun. It's never happened to me."
Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he is still scared of Sir Alex Ferguson and claimed the Manchester United boss shakes him and shouts at him when he feels his star player is underperforming.
Ronaldo scooped all the Player of the Year awards last season after helping inspire United to a ninth Premiership crown.
But the 22-year-old winger admitted Fergie can still strike fear into him with his infamous hairdryer treatment.
"Sometimes he shakes me and he shouts at me," revealed Ronaldo. "It's normal. He's like my mother or my father, he gives me limits and targets. But he is fair." "At half-time during games, he has shouted at me a few times, but always to improve me. People say he's mellowed, but he can still get angry - believe me!
"But the work I have done with Sir Alex has been very helpful. I speak almost every day with him. He knows how to create a good atmosphere.
"Before every game the manager tells me 'Cristiano, enjoy yourself, use your skills'. I listen to that. I like dribbling - it's my style.
"But I have never taken the mickey out of my opponents. I respect them.
"At the highest level, if you don't respect your opponents, you won't get a touch. Every dribble asks for a lot of concentration, it's very demanding, against anyone."
United tasted defeat in their first domestic action of pre-season, losing out in a five-goal thriller to Inter Milan at Old Trafford.
A massive crowd of 73,738 - a record friendly attendance at Old Trafford - were treated to a highly entertaining 90 minutes between the champions of England and Italy.
Roberto Mancini's Inter won thanks to a brace from David Suazo and a neat finish from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, while Wayne Rooney and an Adriano own goal were United's efforts......More
SIR ALEX FERGUSON has insisted Cristiano Ronaldo's burgeoning celebrity status will not be allowed to ruin his career at Manchester United - just as it did with David Beckham.
Ronaldo has inherited Beckham's former title as United's most high-profile and marketable player, an iconic superstar whose looks and unique talent make him just as valuable off the field as on it.
But Fergie, who sold Beckham to Real Madrid in 2003 because he felt the former England captain's celebrity profile had suffocated his ability and ultimately become detrimental to United, is adamant Ronaldo will not suffer the same fate.
"It's obvious when a talent like Ronaldo comes along that there will be attention," said Fergie in a break from United's preseason tour of Asia. But this club has been used to that for years now. There was George Best and then Ryan Giggs." "Every time a fresh young talent comes along, they get praise heaped upon them. This club is great at creating heroes - there's no question about that.
"Ronaldo is 22, and at that age you have to be flexible when it comes to curtailing their youthfulness.
"I remember Ryan coming into training once wearing a new jacket, and I said to him 'Where the hell did you get that?'
"But young people like to dress differently and they want a bit of freedom in their choices. They want to be men before they're men and, with Cristiano, a lot has happened to him in his time at Manchester United.
"He's matured fantastically well and he's an intelligent boy who looks after himself. He has a lot of pluses. You never know how players handle celebrity and all the attention.
"But with Ronaldo, he seems to do OK with that. He seems to be fine. He doesn't seem to be overwhelmed or overly flattered by it.
"The problem comes when players get flattered by it and start enjoying it. That's when you start worrying."
The similarities between Beckham and Ronaldo are compelling, not least because both are synonymous with United's iconic No.7 shirt and have a global appeal that transcends football.
Beckham brought out a clothing range called DB7 during his United career, while Ronaldo has just launched his own chain of fashion stores, intriguingly called CR7, in his native Madeira.
And just as Beckham was when United travelled to the Far East for a pre-season tour in 2001, Ronaldo has been mobbed by hysterical fans - most of them teenage girls - wherever he has gone. In short, Becksmania has been replaced by Ronaldomania.
But while the pressures of commercial duties and the relentless scrutiny of the outside world can take its toll on modern-day players, Fergie has no fears over Ronaldo's ability to handle himself.
"At the moment there's absolutely no sign that the boy will be wasted by it," said Fergie. "When people ask to interview him, I don't worry too much. He can cope."
And Fergie is convinced the 22-year-old, who scooped the top individual honours last season - including PFA Player of the Year and the Football Writers' Player of the Year awards - can go one better and be crowned World and European Player of the Year.
"I hope he can," said Fergie. "Last season there was a fantastic improvement in Cristiano in terms of his goalscoring. To get 23 goals as a wide player is incredible.
"I know there were some penalties but to get something like 18 goals from open play as a wide player, there's not many who can do that." Fergie cut a relaxed figure as he looked ahead. The additions of Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson, as well as the expected arrival of Carlos Tevez, have strengthened his squad and also Fergie's belief that further success lies ahead this season.
And the United boss believes he now has a squad with enough quality and strength in depth to add to his solitary Champions League triumph of 1999.
"This squad certainly give us lots of alternatives," said Fergie.
"In the past we've complained about that. Against AC Milan in the Champions League semi-final second leg last season, we simply didn't have enough bodies. Nowadays you need 25 players during a season."
Cristiano Ronaldo says he thoroughly enjoyed the experience of touring with United throughout the Far East this summer.
The 22-year-old overcame a stubbed toe to come on as a late substitute in the 3-0 win over Guangzhou on Friday - showing off his customary tricks and flicks. As expected, Ronaldo was well-received by fans in Asia but the Portuguese winger says it is the team that commands the greatest following.
"It's a great opportunity to come to Asia," he told MUTV. "Here in Asia you have a lot of support and you see in these games how much everyone enjoys it. For me it's important the fans like us, not just me but all the players. It's important for us because United are so big all over the world and I'm very proud of that." As with all pre-season tours, the number one priority is gaining fitness and match sharpness. That objective, Ronaldo says, has been achieved.
"It's very good for me. I feel fit and I'm very happy for that. But I must keep my form going. The Premiership starts soon and I must be ready for that. I hope to play well. My ambition is still the same – I want to play well, score goals and provide assists. I tried to do the same last year and I worked hard to do that. I hope things come good for me."
Ronaldo knows all about fellow countryman Nani, who scored his second goal in as many matches against Guangzhou, but he is excited about the prospect of playing alongside Owen Hargreaves, who is suffering from a knee injury, and Brazilian Anderson, who joins the rest of the squad at the start of August.
"We have signed three fantastic players and I hope they never leave," Ronaldo says. "They will be great for the club and the team."
Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs and three others scored as Manchester United gave Chinese side Shenzhen Xiangxue Eisiti a 6-0 drubbing in the southern Chinese gambling enclave Macau on Monday. Picking up a short pass, Rooney dribbled into the penalty box at Macau Stadium and passed to the middle to Giggs for the follow through in the 11th minute.
Rooney found the net himself by delicately curving the ball from inside the penalty box into the top right corner of the goal in the 19th minute.
Then Nani, making his United debut after transferring from Sporting Lisbon, drilled the ball into the bottom left corner of the net from outside the penalty box in the 22nd minute and celebrated by doing a flip.
Ronaldo narrowly missed a powerful free kick before the half that sent Shenzhen's crossbar shuddering. Ronaldo tapped the ball to John O'Shea inside the penalty box and O'Shea scored in the 54-minute to make it 4-0.
Fed by Rooney, Ronaldo easily made his shot from the corner of the goal box in the 56-minute for United's fifth goal.
Christopher Eagles fired a lob from well beyond the penalty box that landed over the Shenzhen goalkeeper in the 63rd minute to give United a 6-0 lead.
Meanwhile, Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes injured himself during a training session and was sent home, the club said on its official Web site Monday. The report said details of Scholes' injury weren't immediately confirmed.
In Asia for an exhibition tour, United beat FC Seoul Friday and next plays Guangzhou Pharmaceutical this Friday.
Cristiano Ronaldo enhanced his standing as arguably the most popular player in the Far East by producing a magical 45-minute display as Manchester United defeated FC Seoul 4-0 here on Friday.
The Portuguese forward, whose every touch was greeted by cheers and piercing screams, scored one and made two other goals in a comprehensive victory for the English champions.
And although the double Footballer of the Year was replaced at half-time, United still showed enough to suggest that they will once again take some stopping in the Premiership this season. United were without South Korean midfielder Ji-Sung Park due to the knee injury that is expected to keep him sidelined until Jaunary at the earliest.
But the 65,000 sell-out crowd inside the Seoul WorldCup Stadium were not short of superstars to entertain them and both Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney turned on the style in front the hugely passionate supporters.
Seoul, languishing in mid-table in the K-League, were never a match for the Premiership giants and the English team cruised into a three-goal inside the opening half hour.
The game was only five minutes when Ronaldo, who appears to be building up a David Beckham-like status in the Far East, scored his second goal of the Asia Tour following neat inter-play with Rooney.
England striker Rooney received the ball from a throw-in halfway inside the Seoul half before turning and laying the ball off to the on-rushing Ronaldo.
With the defenders backing off, Ronaldo powered forward before beating keeper Kim Byung-Ji with a low shot from 20 yards.
Ki Sung Yeung gave United a fright seven minutes later when he shot narrowly wide from the edge of the penalty area, but on 18 minutes, Sir Alex Ferguson's team had doubled their lead through youngster Chris Eagles.
Ronaldo was again a key figure as he played tricks with the ball before teeing up the young midfielder and Eagles beat Kim with a curling effort into the bottom corner of the net.
The home side simply could not compete with United's superior quality and Rooney put United 3-0 ahead on 20 minutes with well-taken goal, again after being teed up by Ronaldo.
Ronaldo almost made it 4-0 on 29 minutes with a vicious left-foot strike from 30 yards that flew a matter of inches over the crossbar.
Rooney and Ronaldo were replaced at half-time by Ryan Giggs and Alan Smith and Seoul were able to settle quicker after the break, creating chances to reduce the deficit.
But Kim Dong Suk's low effort was saved by goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak and United unsurprisingly regained the upper hand shortly afterwards, with Senegal-born France defender Patrice Evra rounding off a two-man move involving Giggs and Paul Scholes to score from close range on 59 minutes.
Ronaldo helps United to draw in Japan Urawa Red Diamonds 2 Manchester United 2
Manchester United's Far East tour began with disappointment for the Premier League champions, who were held to a 2-2 draw by Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds in Saitama.
United went behind after 25 minutes when an error from Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar gifted Hideki Uchidate the opener. Sir Alex Ferguson's team fought back in the second half, however, and took a 2-1 lead with goals from Darren Fletcher and Cristiano Ronaldo, who cut inside in typical fashion to drive a blistering shot home. With United seemingly heading for victory, a superb solo effort in the 78th minute from Shinji Ono, the former Feyenoord midfielder, earned the J-League champions a draw, thrilling the near-capacity crowd of 58,716.
Despite the late setback, it was a useful workout for United, who were missing Owen Hargreaves and Nani through minor injury. Van der Sar, however, will be keen to forget his embarrassing contribution. His mistake for the goal was one of several unforced errors in a poor performance. With Ben Foster out until March following surgery and the Dutchman almost certain to start in goal for the Premiership opener against Reading on August 12, Ferguson will be hoping it was simply a glitch.
In midfield, Darren Fletcher was prefered to Alan Smith. The Scotland international, who will doubtless be concerned by the arrivals of Anderson and Hargreaves into an already long list of midfielders fighting for United places, took his goal well, driving home from Michael Carrick's neat pass.
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I'm not Ronaldo. I am Cristiano Ronaldo. I like my name. I like wearing shirts written Ronaldo on my back.... 17cr
" I'ma goodsingleton...I'm happywith that.At this moment,Marriage...is NOTon the agenda."- CR -
....According to the newspapers,I have 20 girlfriends...But I have onlymet two or threeof them....- CR -
.....When I left Madeira for Lisbon
l was only 11, was very difficult.
I used to cry everyday,
I will never forget it. I learn how to survie by myself......
"...I was very easy to please.At Christmas and on my birthday,I always wantedto have a football.In those dayswe didn't havethe moneyget nice presents,but if I was given a ball"I was happy.....- CR -
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