Wednesday, December 27, 2006
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MU 3 : 1 Wigan ; CRIS ON FIRE |
Buoyed by the knowledge that Reading had robbed Chelsea of two points, Cristiano Ronaldo put on a second half show to help dismantle Wigan 3-1 and send United four points clear at the top of the Barclay’s Premiership. Full report to follow...
Buoyed by the knowledge that Reading had robbed Chelsea of two points, Cristiano Ronaldo put on a second-half show to help dismantle Wigan 3-1 and send United four points clear at the top of the Barclay's Premiership.
Second-half substitute Ronaldo struck twice within five minutes of the restart to send Wigan crashing to their fourth successive defeat and enable United to capitalise on Chelsea's draw with Reading.
The timeless Ole Gunnar Solskaer was on target in the 59th minute to give United a three goal lead. A late penalty for Wigan, converted by young Leighton Baines, was the only downside to what was a sterling performance by Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
Ronaldo, Louis Saha, Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville were all absent from the starting line up as Sir Alex shuffled his pack once more safe in the knowledge that, regardless of the result, United would remain top of the Premiership.
With the score 0-0 at half-time though Ferguson introduced his trump card to kick start proceedings. He could never have imagined the immediacy of the impact.
Within two minutes of the restart Ronaldo put United 1-0 up with a thumping header from an early United corner. Three minutes later he fed J.S.Park in the Wigan penalty area after fine work down the left. Park was promptly fouled right in front of referee, Mike Riley, for a stonewall penalty. Ronaldo failed to convert from the spot but made sure with the rebound.
United dominated proceedings in the first half. Wayne Rooney, rejuvenated after his rest against Aston Villa on Saturday, could easily have had a hat-tick. Wigan's Chris Kirkland was forced to make three exceptional saves from close range in the opening twenty minutes and could only watch as efforts from Rooney and Patrice Evra fizzed wide.
J.S Park and Ole Gunnar Solskaer respectively replaced on form Portugese high diver Ronaldo in midfield and club top scorer Louis Saha in attack.
Wes Brown took over from Gary Neville at right back and revelled in the amount of space afforded him. Darren Fletcher, who bossed the midfield alongside Paul Scholes released him twice down the right early on in the first half but United failed to convert their chances and despite enjoying 60% of the possession Wigan hung on to a clean sheet as Riley blew for half-time.
Ronaldo masterclass
Fletcher was pulled to make way for Ronaldo at the break. If Ronaldo hadn't produced such an emphatic impact this decision would have appeared harsh on Fletcher who had been carving open the Wigan back four with intelligent balls to Rooney and an ever advancing Brown.
But the game was transformed by Ronaldo. He was everywhere and Wigan had no answer to his trickery. Stunned by the two early goals, the coup de grace came from Old Trafford legend Ole Gunnar Solskaer.
John O'Shea won the ball in midfield and flicked it on to Rooney who out jumped Emile Heskey to feed Solskaer. With time to compose himself and pick his spot in the far corner he drove the ball comfortably home from the edge of the area.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
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Rio hails Cris |
RIO FERDINAND reckons that Cristiano Ronaldo's turnaround in fortunes since his World Cup vilification is even more remarkable than David Beckham's transformation from villain to hero after his shameful sending off in France '98.
Ronaldo has been in dazzling form for Manchester United despite being abused by supporters across the country for his role in getting Wayne Rooney red-carded in England's quarter-final exit to Portugal in Germany.
The talented 21-year-old winger has scored eight goals to steer United top of the Premiership and is now hot favourite to scoop the coveted PFA Player Of The Year award. United and England star Ferdinand says Ronaldo has "got balls" to have returned to these shores and perform so well after witnessing first hand the Portuguese winker's antics that fate-ful July night in Gelsenkirchen.
Ferdinand believes Ronaldo's performances since are particularly impressive given that he suffered the loss of his father in September last year after a long illness."People are going to compare his situation with Beckham's but I think Ronaldo is in a bracket of his own," said Ferdinand.
"Ronnie has had a fair bit more than most players have had to cope with - on and off the pitch. It takes a great player with strong character to come through and he's shown that. He's done very well for us and long may it continue.
"The reaction of the Villa fans when his name was announced on the tannoy was typical. He got booed. But he answers them on the pitch. That's what he's been doing - and he has been the best player in the league this season so far. Someone who is getting kicked from pillar to post every game yet still wants the ball as much as he does, shows he has balls.
"In adverse situations the top players step up to the plate and make sure their performances get noticed. And he's done that in glowing terms this season. All the best players get booed. Alan Shearer used to get booed at every away ground and look how many goals he scored. Ronaldo is doing the same. He's scoring, but he knows when to pass the ball. He's still doing his tricks but they are in the right areas, which is good for us." United's win at Villa, which kept them two points ahead of Chelsea, was memorable for Ronaldo's outstanding display and a brilliant goal from Paul Scholes.
Ferdinand said it was vital United picked up three points against Martin O'Neill's side to prove their defeat at West Ham in their previous game was merely a blip. We bounced back in the right manner," added Ferdinand, who started his career at the Hammers. "Scholesy's goal kind of summed it up because that's what we needed. I'm not going to lie - the defeat at West Ham had an effect on me personally."But it's how you bounce back after a defeat and we did that at Villa."
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Boss : I'd pay to watch Ronaldo |
Sir Alex Ferguson claims Cristiano Ronaldo has answered his World Cup critics in the perfect fashion, by turning in world class performances this season.
The Portuguese winger has been a revelation this term, although he was the subject of unwanted media coverage at the start of December for an alleged dive at Middlesbrough.
The gaffer insists, however, that the 21-year-old has merely been the victim of a witch hunt and continues to stand by his assertion that Ronaldo did not dive at the Riverside.
"He's answered all the questions, the lad," he told his pre-Wigan press conference. "There's one blip and I think the press had a part to play in that, that was the supposed dive at the Middlesbrough game.
"But it was never a dive, he stumbled. Who would dismiss the opportunity to score an open goal? That is the one blip in the sense of people trying to accuse him of diving."
Sir Alex claims Ronaldo's evolution as a player since the World Cup has been sensational, and he struggled to think of a better entertainer in world football at the moment.
"He's matured and he's responsible," he said. "His performances have been world class and he's the one player I'd love to pay money to see play."
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Getting better and better |
Manchester United keeper Edwin van der Sar believes Cristiano Ronaldo is being "driven on to greater heights" by the negative reaction towards him from opposition fans.
Ronaldo has been the target of the boo-boys ever since the incident in the Portugal-England World Cup quarter-final which ended with Wayne Rooney being sent off. But the winger has been in superb form this season and produced another fine display in Saturday's 3-0 win at Aston Villa which ensured Sir Alex Ferguson's side entered Christmas at the top of the Barclays Premiership.
Now he will look to help United stay ahead of Chelsea by winning successive home games with Wigan and Reading. Van der Sar said: "Cristiano is getting better and better. He is still only young but he is more mature now as a footballer. He has loads of qualities with the ball but is more aware now in terms of his positional play, the runs he can make, the other players who make runs for him, and of creating space for other players.
"I think it is his most productive season so far. He is scoring more goals and delivering more crosses. He has been excellent for us." Van Der Sar added: "I wasn't in England after what happened with Cristiano at the World Cup but I can imagine what the papers and TV were saying.
"It was a country versus country situation and you do the best for your own country. The United fans have stuck with Cristiano and I think the opposing fans see the quality he has and the joy with which he plays the game. He will get some occasional booing but that's all right. I thank that only serves to drive Cristiano onto even higher ground, to greater heights. Cristiano hasn't let what happened and the reaction affect him at all. He is a very strong guy and has shown that this season."
Ronaldo's double blast against Villa took his goal tally for the campaign to eight and Ferguson is confident he can double that tally before the end of the campaign. His demands for a greater goal return from Ronaldo have answered in a positive vein.
Ferguson said: "Cristiano could easily get us over 15 goals this season and he is certainly capable of achieving that. He is unbelievable and in great form. He is as good as anyone in the country. He is having a magnificent season for us. He shows great courage and strength."
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Cris' X'mas greeting |
I never know what to say on this occasions, but I think that everyone wishes more or less the same things, like peace, love, health, happiness...and I am not different.
So I thought that in the meadle of all this wishes, that I would have to first of all thank you for all the support you showed me during the last year, during the good and difficult moments, but especially during the world cup, which was a especial but also a tough moment in my life, but I think that I have showed that I know to keep calm, and work everyday very hard to have also my dreams come true.
The best present I could receive this christmas and for the next year would be of course winning the Fa premier league, the champions league and if possible an individual price. That is my wish but I know I have to keep working very hard every day to be able to realize them.
I know I am still young and that I have still a lot to learn, but I am working to be one of the best, for me and especially for my team.
So, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year for you and your familly. I will have the chance to be with mine all together here in Manchester. I Hope you a lot of joy and that all your dreams come true!
Thanks to all my fans and friends
Cristiano Ronaldo
Sunday, December 24, 2006
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MU 3:0 Villa - Cris at his double best |
A second-half Cristiano Ronaldo double and a Paul Scholes stunner helped Manchester United to a 3-0 away win over Aston Villa.
For Sir Alex Ferguson's side, the win ensured they will spend Christmas on top of the Premiership and extended their advantage over Chelsea to five points - at least until their rivals took on Wigan in the late kick-off.
The home side almost took the lead when confusion in the box allowed Gavin McCann to smash a powerful header off the post, and goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar had to be on top form to stop Steve Davis following-up.
After surviving that scare, Man Utd stepped up a gear and bossed the game for most of the rest of the half. Darren Fletcher wasted their best opportunity when he fluffed a close-range effort after latching on to Cristiano Ronaldo's low left-wing cross.
Ronaldo missed from a header, and returning duo Park Ji-Sung and Patrice Evra were both denied by stand-in Villa goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly. Man Utd stepped up a gear in the second half and started to subject the Villa defence to intense pressure.
When the deadlock finally was broken after 59 minutes, it was thanks to a superb display of skill by Ronaldo, who ran half the length of the pitch, saw his shot deflected by Gareth Barry and then blasted the re-bound past Kiraly.
It was the Portuguese winger's ninth goal of the season and the 2000th goal scored by the club since Sir Alex Ferguson took over. "He is fantastic, he's had a marvellous season for us," Ferguson said of Ronaldo.
And they doubled their lead just four minutes later as Paul Scholes hit what is arguably the goal of the season to far with a sensational dipping volley from 25 yards out. It was plain sailing from then on as a second from Ronaldo made it three with a close-range finish with five minutes to go from Gary Neville's low cross.
Friday, December 22, 2006
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Don't make me mark C.Ronaldo |
Aston Villa's Swedish international has played the majority of his 201 games for the club as a central defender. But with no other cover for the injured Mark Delaney and Aaron Hughes, he has spent the last seven Premiership games filling in as an emergency right-back. Yet the prospect of being shown a clean pair of heels by Manchester United's flying winger at Villa Park has left him sweating. And he has hinted to boss Martin O'Neill that now might be a good time for normal service to be resumed.
Mellberg, 29, said, "It's been all right playing at right-back but I obviously prefer playing in the centre because I'm more comfortable there. I used to play right-back for Sweden when I first broke into the international team.""But that was a long time ago and I hadn’t played there for quite some time before this season.
I guess I'll be marking either Ryan Giggs or Cristiano Ronaldo on Saturday. But I'd rather it was Wayne Rooney because I played against him in the World Cup in Germany last summer. Giggs and Ronaldo are both world-class players. But there's something extra special about Ronaldo. He's very quick and skilful with the ball at his feet and wins a lot of free-kicks."
Despite United's surprise defeat at West Ham last weekend, Mellberg is still tipping Alex Ferguson's side to edge out Chelsea in the title race. The Old Trafford giants' nine-point lead at the top of the Premiership has been cut to just two.But Mellberg said, "I just think United have been very impressive this season and I fancy them to win the league. But this is a good game for us on Saturday because we need to get our home form going again — we can play this one with no pressure."
Thursday, December 21, 2006
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Cris X'Mas shopping |
Ronaldo more of 11 thousand euros in purchases
The Christmas of Cristiano Ronaldo will be passed in Manchester, despite of already to have spoken freely that like to be in Portugal in that height. Since that will be impossible, the purchases natalícias did question of them do in our country. Taking advantage of the fact of in the last week to have had of be dislocated to Óbidos for promote an initiative of the Bank Holy Spirit (BES) – of which is image and holder of 36 thousand actions –, the star utilized the short available time for acquire the presents for his wives of the life: the mother and the sisters. Did not it look to expense and, in the space of two hours, disbursed more of eleven thousand euros.
The Mail Lives astonished the star in the late of past Tuesday, in the Av. Liberty, to his favorite zone for spend money, since is there that are concentrated some of the best international marks. This time, chose the Forum Tivoli for the purchases. With the brother, Hugo, the ex brother-in-law José – that was married with Kátia Aveiro ten years and whose has a son, Rodrigo, of five – and a cousin, Ronaldo was to the shop Fashion Clinic. There it was during around two hours, being a time or another one interrupted by passerbies that, incredulous, if will want to certify of that was even the player. And, it confirmed the identity, took advantage of, clear, for him ask an autograph.
During the purchases, the player had handling VIP, as well like who accompanied him. The members of staff of the shop offered them aperitifs and beverages, common perks, but that the Mail Lives knows will have been reinforced by be who was. "We ask always our clients are going to be taken something. That situation did not happen for be the Cristiano Ronaldo, despite of he be a habitual client and of the good", affirmed one of the members of staff of that shop.
The presents that the player is going to give to the family were hand-picked and, finished the incursion by the Fashion Clinic, Ronaldo paid the 11 222 euros with electronic card, leaving in direction to the Audi Q7, I park in front of the Forum. It was in that height that the Mail Lives spoke with the young star. Serviceable and smiling, Cristiano Ronaldo preferred, however, be not lengthened in the words. "They excuse, but I have nothing for say. Barely I was doing purchases for the Christmas, that, as know, will be in Manchester", explained, desiring good Christmas, before of enter for the vehicle.
The time be pressed and the player returned to his house, in the Park of the Nations, where expected mother, Dolores, the its companion, Andrade, and the sister Kátia with the small one Rodrigo. The Audi Q7 of Ronaldo stayed I park in front of the garage of the neighboring building.
The cousin smoked to the varandah and Ronaldo, Hugo and José took advantage of for put the conversation in day. However, there was short time for the fun. Cristiano Ronaldo had I fly marked for Manchester. Already they passed from the 20h00 when the player left with the mother, the 'stepfather' and José that, again, served of conductor for them cause to the Airport of Alone Sheep. Hugo and the cousin stayed at home, with Kátia and Rodrigo, for where José was after come back from the airport. The fact of Kátia and José will be joined signifies that already surpassed the problems that caused to the divorce and today mantêm a relation of friendship. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo, the mother and his companion expected to hour of the boarding. Also in the airport, the player had handling of 'star'. To the arrival, already had a landlady to his wait that directed for the departure lounge, reserved barely for special clients. During the time of wait, the three mantiveram-itself willing. Ronaldo and Andrade to were shown enough affable a with another, in a clear demonstration of that this last already is perfect integrated in the clan Aveiro.
The 'check-in' was a so much or how much lengthy, due to the excess of luggage. Beyond the presents of Cristiano Ronaldo, there was still countless suitcases, as well like the of its mother and of Andrade. So much luggage is going to foresee that the family will must stayed in Manchester for beyond the Christmas, prolonging the stay up to the passage of the year. The sisters of the player go for England inside an or two days, joining, in that height, to the party of the family that, with the last actions of Ronaldo in the lawns and the value of the presents, has everything for be very lively.
TWO INFRACTIONS WITHOUT CONSEQUENCES
Cristiano Ronaldo is going to be driven. By that, is normally the ex brother-in-law, José, who the tappet for all interest, be in Portugal or in England. Beyond it dispense with the place of the driver, the player also does not like to walk a lot and opts for leave the car nearby the fate. What went happened in this gone to the purchases. His one Audi Q7 was left in the park of taxi, in front of the shop. The infraction lasted two hours, but Cristiano Ronaldo left without any fine, benefiting of the complicity of the agents of authority, that by there circulated. They placed this, the player repeated the achievement. It arrived home, in the Park of the Nations, withdrew a grille that prohibited the stop by car in front of the garage of a building beside its for that José was able to I park. A hour afterwards, the doorman of him said building touched to his door and asked him that the Audi went secluded. José changed the car and the case resolved itself to well.
PRESENTS OF LUXURY
To the exception of an article, the remainders buys efectuadas by Cristiano Ronaldo were for woman. They destine itself it present mother and the sisters in the night of the Consoada, that will be past in their house, in Alderdey Edge, one of the richest zones of England. The purchases made up a total of 11 222 euros.
TWO SUITCASES
The star of the Manchester United bought two suitcases of lady, with signature of the Italian couturier Valentino. A tigrada, in the value of 2230 euros, and to another one, of black skin, evaluated in 1513 euros.
A COAT
Because in England, the coldness is of crack, the player is going to offer to one of the sisters a coat of the mark Etro. By this item of clothing, designed by Veronica Etro, Cristiano Ronaldo paid to modest amount of 5090 euros.
TWO PAIR OF BOOTS
After the coats, the star of the Manchester United been not stayed this way in the female offerings. It bought still two pair of boots, with the seal of the Prada: a pair cost 890 euros and another 590.
A PAIR OF SHOES
During the time that passed in the Fashion Clinic, Cristiano Ronaldo took advantage of still for lead more footwear. It paid 490 euros by some shoes of lady of the Prada, in skin of leopard.
A PAIR OF TÉNIS
A pair of ténis was the only article that the player chose in the male sector. The mark chosen was Dolce & Gabbana, having disbursed 419 euros.
PLAYER HAD HONORS VIP IN THE SHOP, COME BACK HOME AND FOLLOWED RUSHED FOR THE AIRPORT
LUXURY
With the brother Hugo, the ex brother-in-law José and a cousin, Cristiano Ronaldo entered in the Fashion Clinic, in the Forum Tivoli, in Lisbon, for its purchases. Had service VIP, with right to aperitifs and beverages. It spent 11 222 euros in presents for the mother, Dolores, and sisters, Elma and Kátia.
LIVELY MOTHER
After leave of the Av. Liberty, the player was home seek mother and his companion, Andrade. Joined, headed to the Airport of Alone Sheep. Had journey marked of return to Manchester. To good arrangement reigned while expected for him I fly.
ACCOMPLICES
Was after death of the father of the star, Diniz Aveiro, that the mother refez to his life, despite of be separate there is a long time of the husband. Andrade was not very well received by Cristiano Ronaldo. But, now, the two they are going to have found a break-even point in their relation.
RECEPTION
Again, Cristiano Ronaldo and the family had handling VIP. In the Alone Airport Sheep, in Lisbon, the trio was received by a landlady that led for the departure lounge reserved to special clients, while did not arrive the order for enter in the plane route to Manchester.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
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Giggs : C.Ron need to learn |
Ryan Giggs feels Cristiano Ronaldo finds it hard to accept having quiet periods in games. Ronaldo has enjoyed a fine start to the first half of the season and has played a key role in Manchester United topping the Premiership table.
Now in his fourth campaign at Old Trafford, the Portuguese winger is steadily maturing, with Giggs full of admiration for Ronaldo's talent. "Cristiano has been player of the season so far. He's seeing passes that perhaps he didn't, it's all part of growing up as a young footballer. Every game he contributes an assist or a goal, he puts the opposition on the back foot, that's what he's in the team for."
But the experienced Welshman has pinpointed areas of Ronaldo's game that still require improvement before he becomes fully attuned to United's style of play. "Cristiano can do things that no other player can do," said Giggs in an interview in the Manchester United Opus. "Now he needs to learn how to play that position right because the way United play, as a winger you need to work hard and get into all the right positions."
"When I came into the team I used to sprint back to help the full-back, but that had been drilled into me from the youth team. Cristiano never grew up with that. It's hard for him, I think, because he wants the ball all the time. Sometimes, as a winger, you don't touch the ball for five minutes and you have to rely on others to give it to you - and that's hard for him."
Monday, December 18, 2006
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Charlton : Ron can be Utd's best ever |
"He has the sort of ability, talent, pace and invention that people love. It's why people used to love Stanley Matthews and George Best - because of their footwork and the things they were capable of. Ronaldo's the same. He could be sensational for the next 10 years.
"He's got the build, the ability and the desire. And he's learning quickly."
Last week at the launch of the United Opus Sir Bobby was acclaimed as the club's greatest star ahead of other legends like George Best, Duncan Edwards and Denis Law. Ronaldo currently ranks at only 39 on that list. But Charlton insisted: "There are not many players who are better to watch. Wherever United go it's a full house and that's down to players like Ronaldo."
Ronaldo has endured abuse from opposing fans this season over his role in Wayne Rooney's World Cup red card but United director Charlton, who won 106 England caps, added: "You can dislike him for some of the things he does but what a talent! And I feel really good that he plays for us."
Thursday, December 14, 2006
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Cris playing Santa |
Cristiano Ronaldo distributed Christmas gifts to Portuguese children living in the area of Obidos on 11 December.
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C.Ronaldo: I've learned my lesson |
Cristiano Ronaldo admits he has been guilty of going to the floor too easily in the past but is adamant he has now learned his lesson.
Ronaldo admits the mentality in England is different to the one he was used to on the continent with Sporting Lisbon. The Portuguese wide man claims the leniency of English referees concerning robust challenges - a point also stressed by team-mate Wayne Rooney - has encouraged simulation.
But, despite claiming to have been on the receiving end of some rough treatment in the Premiership, Ronaldo is determined not to let it affect his game. "I remember in the first year at United, I was criticised a lot for going to the floor too easily. That was an area of my game where I had to change quite fast," Ronaldo told the Daily Express.
"It was perhaps the biggest lesson I've learned in England. It's a different type of game in Portugal, but the rules should be the same everywhere. If it's a free-kick, the referee should give a free-kick. But here, referees choose to ignore fouls a lot of the time. The football is different here, with a different mentality and it's not just the players who have grown up with it, but the referees too. But I'm not going to stop trying to beat defenders in England. I don't think I should change. I have to be myself. Just because the referee doesn't give a free-kick or chooses not to send off someone who deserves it, doesn't mean I should become another player."
Monday, December 11, 2006
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Cris wants to win the Ballon d'Or |

"My dream is to win the Ballon d'Or and I am working to be the best player in the world," Ronaldo told the News of the World. "Since I was a kid I have been trying to become the best winger in the world and now I want to go a step farther.
"There is still some way to go but the challenge is there and I am trying. I hope the moment arrives soon. "After me the best No 7 that I have seen was Eric Cantona. But I am still only 21 and I want to surpass everything I have achieved so far."
Ronaldo also had a few words for the people who have given him stick this season."The incident against Boro has caused many comments, but it was a valid penalty. I do not dive," added Ronaldo. "Nor do I search for controversy. But I am a person accustomed to the critics and they are not a problem for me. "Perhaps the critics are jealous. I do not think I have to change. I am the same person that arrived in England hungry for success."
Sunday, December 10, 2006
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MU 3 : 1 Manchester City |
Goals from Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha and Cristiano Ronaldo enabled Manchester United of victory over their rivals and in the process moved nine points clear at the top of the Premiership.
United were 2-0 up when Hatem Trabelsi's super 20-yard shot on 72 minutes squeezed past Edwin Van der Sar. But Ronaldo eased home fans' nerves by scoring from close-range eight minutes from time when Gary Neville's cross flicked off Dunne.
Rooney had put the hosts in front after five minutes when he slotted past Nicky Weaver from close-range following Ronaldo's centre. City enjoyed a great deal of possession in the first half and won a lot of headers around United's box but failed to test Van der Sar.
Richard Dunne's 30-yard shot never looked like going in, while Micah Richards' header from Joey Barton's corner might have finished in the back of the net had Georgios Samaras not stopped it barely two yards out before turning to shoot wide.
The visitors were made to pay for their miss as United doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time when Saha's effort crashed in on the underside of the bar following good work from Gabriel Heinze.
City continued to pressurise after the break, but apart from Trabelsi's strike, they were prevent maintaining their 31-year unbeaten home record against them.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
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C.Ronaldo wins league award |
The Portuguese winger scored in the first and last league games of the month - a stunning free-kick against Portsmouth on 4 November and the opening goal against Everton last week. He also helped the Reds to beat Blackburn and Sheffield United away and hold Chelsea at Old Trafford.
It's the second time in successive months that United have won the award. Last month, Paul Scholes and Sir Alex Ferguson did the double, winning the Barclays Player and Manager of the Month respectively. Ronaldo will receive his award on the Old Trafford pitch prior to Saturday's match against Manchester City.
ManUtd.com's monthly awards are still open - go to www.manutd.com/polls on your PC to vote for United's best player and goal in November.
04 Nov - MU 3-0 Portsm'th (1 goal)
11 Nov - Blackburn 0-1 MU
18 Nov - Sheff Utd 1-2 MU
26 Nov - MU 1-1 Chelsea
29 Nov - MU 3-0 Everton (1 goal)
*Barclays Premiership results only
Friday, December 08, 2006
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Happy at Old Trafford |
The Portuguese has been in fine form for United this season after appearing ready to leave Old Trafford in the summer. "I'm very happy at Old Trafford," he insisted after the 3-1 win over Benfica. "Things are running well. We are at the top of table, we are winning games. But in football you never know what is going to happen next."
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World Cup made Ronaldo stronger |
At one stage, his involvement in Rooney's dismissal during the quarter-final defeat to Portugal in Gelsenkirchen seemed certain to see him quit Manchester United. Yet, while many of his England team-mates continued to attack Ronaldo, Rooney was quick to put the incident behind him.
The pair are now playing starring roles in the Red Devils' pursuit of glory domestically and in Europe. And Rooney only has admiration for the way his fellow 21-year-old has handled the situation. "Cristiano has been brilliant," Rooney told Inside United, the official Manchester United magazine.
"Coming back from the World Cup, and handling what he has, has made him a stronger person.
He did take a bit of stick but he has come back and been brilliant. His performances, not only for United but for Portugal too, have been fantastic. Whenever he goes off to play for Portugal, he is always scoring goals and playing well - he is the main player for them. As long as he keeps doing that for us then we should have no problems. He really is a threat and probably one of the best players in the world."
Ronaldo was certainly one of United's most effective performers last night as the Red Devils booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League with a comeback win over Benfica.
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Cris ready for Europe's elite |
Cristiano Ronaldo insists he does not care who Manchester United are paired with in the Champions League knockout phase.
Victory over Benfica at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, coupled with Celtic's defeat in Copenhagen, meant Sir Alex Ferguson's side advanced into next Friday's last-16 draw as Group F winners. With Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid among seven potential opponents, plus Serie A leaders Inter Milan, it is debatable just how important finishing top of the four-team section actually was.
However, after missing out on qualification altogether last season, Ronaldo believes United's position at the head of affairs has provided an added sense of self-belief within the United camp. And, while the prospect of facing Lille is infinitely more enticing than tackling Barcelona, Ronaldo is adamant he would be happy to take on anyone.
"I don't care who we get," said the 21-year-old. "Once you get to the second round, the competition is full of strong teams. It is important to play, and do well, against the big clubs but I enjoy playing against anyone."
After featuring in a European Championship final and a World Cup semi-final for Portugal, Ronaldo is determined to reach the latter stages of major tournaments at club level too.
So far, his United career has produced only one FA Cup winners' medal, plus a Carling Cup gong from the victory over Wigan last season.
This year promises to be different though, with United blazing a trail at the Premiership summit and now having put the misery of last year's group-stage exit firmly behind them.
"This is a big club, an amazing club, we should reach the second round of the Champions League every year," said Ronaldo. "What happened last season was pretty bad, so we are all very happy we have qualified. It was important for us to finish top of the group and it was fair because we were the best team in it. Now we wait for the draw. You never know what happens in football, and the next round is a long way off, but I really believe we have a great chance of doing well this season."
Thursday, December 07, 2006
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Ferguson attacks Ronaldo critics |
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate labelled Ronaldo a serial diver after the winger won a penalty on Saturday.
But Ferguson said: "What's more serious in our game, preventing the best players playing or going on for three days about a dive that wasn't a dive?
"I have seen it a million times and Cristiano lost his balance completely." The Scot went on: "As I have said time and time again, we do not condone diving and Cristiano knows that. But it is difficult for players who run as quickly as he does. For instance, if you were driving at 70mph in a car and another car comes out in front of you, do you brake or carry on?
"The interpretation is down to the referee but, to me, it was a clear penalty."
Southgate said he felt cheated after Ronaldo went down in the 19th minute at The Riverside, with television replays showing keeper Mark Schwarzer had made no contact.
However, Ronaldo argued that he was merely taking evasive action. "Southgate stopped playing football last year. He needs to understand football much better," said the 21-year-old Portuguese international.
"I was trying to get past the goalkeeper. I lost my balance. I realise people criticise me for anything I do. They love to do that ever since the World Cup. But it doesn't bother me."
Ferguson agreed with Ronaldo's account and branded Southgate's remarks "naive". The United boss went on to accuse the English media of using the incident to attack Ronaldo for his role in Wayne Rooney's sending-off at the World Cup. "It is revenge for the English press," he said. "They have been waiting months to do this since the World Cup."
Ferguson also believes Ronaldo is not winning as many free-kicks as he should because of a reputation he gained in his first season for going to ground too easily.
"It is possible referees are still judging Cristiano on the way he played in his first season," said Ferguson. "The first thing that happened to him at Middlesbrough on Saturday was that he was hacked from behind. The referee did not book the player, which only encourages players to keep kicking him and kicking him.
"All I know is that Cristiano is the most fouled player in the Premiership and the stats are there to back it up."
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
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Ronaldo sees long-term future at Old Trafford |
Ronaldo has become a target of opposition fans in the Premiership after the Portuguese winger helped end England's World Cup ambitions in controversial circumstances in Germany in the summer.
The 21-year-old was at the centre of a storm after being caught up in the incident which saw England reduced to 10-men after his Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney was sent-off.
Since then speculation has continued about whether Ronaldo, who is regularly jeered by supporters when United play away, will remain in England or move back to mainland Europe because of the abuse that has come his way.
But Ronaldo, whose popularity has not been helped by accusations of diving, has brushed aside those concerns by revealing that he will remain until United tell him he is no longer wanted.
The former Sporting Lisbon player even hinted that he enjoys being cast as the player everyone loves to hate.
"Do I intend to stay for many, many years? Yes, unless the club doesn't want me," said Ronaldo.
"It's true that people criticise me for anything I do. They love that.
"But since the World Cup all I have done is my best. I play my best and try and do the best for my team.
"Am I bothered about what people say? No.
"I try and do what I do best - play football and do my best for the team.
"If I suffer a foul I get up and carry on.
"I don't care whether I'm criticised."
Meanwhile, Gabriel Heinze believes United are coming of age as they continue to make impressive progress in the Premiership.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side will increase their lead over reigning champions Chelsea to nine points should they beat neighbours Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday.
And Argentina defender Heinze believes that will give the club a huge lift going into the busy Christmas period.
"We're improving with each game," said the left-back.
"We have a fantastic group and at the moment we're playing some marvellous football.
"Throughout the squad we've got quality players and day by day, match by match we're showing just how good we are.
"The position we currently have in the Premiership backs that up."
Heinze has recently re-established himself back in the side after injury.
And he believes having Patrice Evra and Mikael Silvestre pushing for his position can only be healthy for the club.
"At all the great clubs there's always plenty of healthy competition for places," Heinze added.
"It's good for the individual because it makes them work harder and get better. However, the man who makes the ultimate decision is the manager.
"Every player has got his own level of form and fitness, and after that it comes down to the boss to decide."
Sunday, December 03, 2006
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Cris in cheat storm again |
Cristiano Ronaldo was branded a "cheat" by angry Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate after bringing back memories of his World Cup melodramatics in a controversial penalty clash last night.
While United celebrated putting clear water between themselves and Chelsea at the Riverside, Southgate felt the game had been effectively hijacked from the moment the Portuguese striker theatrically fell to the ground after evading the challenge of Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer in the 19th minute.
With Ronaldo lying face down on the turf, referee Chris Foy awarded United a penalty. Schwarzer was apoplectic. His team-mates arrived swiftly to reinforce his protest. Louis Saha stepped up to prove a more reliable penalty taker than he had been in Glasgow 12 days ago when his failure from the spot in the cauldron of Celtic Park denied United a critical point in the Champions League. But for Southgate, Ronaldo had perpetrated larceny on a grand scale.
"Ronaldo is a cheat, simple as that," he said."How many times are we going to see it? The lad's got a history of doing this.Our goalkeeper has done everything to get out of the way and yet the lad's gone down. Once more. For me, it's never a penalty. I don't know what you can do about it, that's for people better qualified than me."
Is technology the answer,he was asked. Southgate stood his ground, his mood soured by what he viewed as the dark arts of Ronaldo's extravagantly gifted repertoire. "The answer is that you hope some players are going to start performing in the manner they should," he said. "And if they have the opportunity to stay on their feet, and not play for a penalty, that's what they should do.
"Ronaldo plays the way he obviously thinks is the right way. I don't blame the referee, it's very difficult for him as it happens very quickly. But how many times are we going to see it?"
His exasperation had a legitimate currency. In the summer, Ronaldo's antics drove a wedge between him and team-mate Wayne Rooney, who reacted with such force to the taunting of Portuguese players in Germany that he was sent off.
Sir Alex Ferguson, with great predictability, presented the case for Ronaldo's defence. "It was a clear-cut penalty," he said. He looked somewhat less assured when he was given the chance to review the moment Ronaldo went down on a TV monitor inside the stadium.Ferguson refrained to comment on the evidence presented to him other than to state the obvious: "Anyway, it was a penalty," he said.
When he substituted Ronaldo four minutes from time to a cacophony of local disapproval, Ferguson walked to the touchline to shake the hand of the Portuguese winger.He understood precisely the impact Ronaldo had made on the game, on the outcome, on the fact that United hold a proud six-point lead over Chelsea at the head of the Premiership as a consequence of last night's result.
What a difference a year makes. On their last visit here,United experienced a humiliating 4-1 defeat. Not long afterwards Roy Keane delivered his withering monologue criticising the work ethic and commitment of his team-mates on United's in-house TV station. It mattered little that the interview never went to air. United's discontent had leaked into the public domain. And Ferguson,ruthlessly seeking to retain his authority, felt compelled to act against Keane. The Irishman's departure was assured from that moment. Ferguson's response has been to lure his team to the top of the Premiership again. He has galvanised United once more, and at the Riverside they won their seventh match away from Old Trafford.
"Our away form has been fantastic," said Ferguson. "This was a very important result.This is not an easy place to come as we have experienced in the past. Some players would have shirked the responsibility of taking the penalty, not had the courage to take it. But Louis wanted to take it. The team unit is getting stronger, in terms of knowledge. The longer they stay together the friendships get stronger."
Middlesbrough recovered from the controversy of Ronaldo's penalty-winning fall to devise an equaliser in the 66th minute. The goal could be traced to two pieces of defensive frailty.Stewart Downing, restored to the team after injury, beat Gary Neville on the left. His cross should have been cleared by Gabriel Heinze,but the Argentinian's header dropped kindly for James Morrison and Boro's substitute drilled an immaculate right-footed volley past Edwin van der Sar.
But United's reaction was swift and decisive. One minute 50 seconds later, Ronaldo took a pass from Ryan Giggs and evaded Schwarzer inside the penalty area. He was driven out of the danger zone but the Portuguese striker bided his time on the byline. Then he slipped a short pass to Giggs, now on the left of the penalty area. The Welshman floated the ball into the penalty area, as he has on a thousand other occasions, and Darren Fletcher materialised from midfield to head the ball beyond Schwarzer.
The game was over. Only the clock had to be run down. And then the recriminations against Cristiano Ronaldo surfaced — again.
Friday, December 01, 2006
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Man United 3:0 Everton |
Cristiano Ronaldo ensured Manchester United held on to pole position in the Premiership as he put his side on course for a 3-0 win against Everton. Ronaldo broke the deadlock just before half-time at Old Trafford and Patrice Evra and John O'Shea also scored as Sir Alex Ferguson's team bounced back from the disappointment of being held by their nearest title challengers Chelsea on Sunday.
United remain three points ahead of reigning champions Chelsea after Jose Mourinho's men kept up the pressure on the leaders with a 1-0 win at Bolton. Portugal international Ronaldo, playing up front rather than in his usual role on the right wing, was at the heart of all United's best moments and he sparked the move that led to his 39th minute goal.
His astute pass gave Michael Carrick a sight of goal but the midfielder's shot was blocked by Nuno Valente and Ronaldo picked up the rebound and drilled a shot past Richard Wright.
French left-back Evra increased United's lead in the 63rd minute as Everton, without a win at Old Trafford since 1992, succumbed to the home side's incessant pressure. O'Shea's close range finish in the 89th minute completed the rout.
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