CR7 new store

Cristiano Ronalo will open a new store, CR7, that only existed on Madeira, but now it will exist on Lisboa too. CR7 Lisboa will open on the 6th October near Alameda dos Oceanos, near the residential area and BP gas station. The store will be similiar to the one at Funchal, and will have the same accessories, clothing, ...
The opening of the store will count with the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as his closer relatives and friends.

Cris resets recovery timetable; MU 3:0 Aalborg

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted it will be another three weeks before he has fully recovered from his summer ankle operation.

The Manchester United star came through his first full 90 minutes in the 3-0 win over Aalborg in Denmark last night that propelled the Red Devils to the top of Champions League Group E.

Although he did not get on the scoresheet himself, Ronaldo did provide the cross for Dimitar Berbatov's spectacular second goal.

With Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney both picking up worrying injuries last night, Sir Alex Ferguson will be delighted with Ronaldo's progress.

But the 23-year-old confirmed he is still not 100% and United will not see the best of him until after next month's international break.

"It will be another two or three weeks before I can give 100%," he said.

"I feel very good. There is good improvement there and I am very happy to be back.

"But my ankle has still not fully recovered. I still feel it a little bit.

"But the medical staff say that is normal and I feel very confident about the future."

To most pundits' surprise that future, on an immediate basis at least, will be at Old Trafford.

Almost every observer, including most United fans, felt Ronaldo would end up at Real Madrid this season.

However, not for the first time in his career, Ferguson defied the odds, flying to Portugal for face-to-face discussions with the player that ended with him committing himself to United.

Clearly the bond between Ronaldo and Ferguson is strong, even though long-time assistant Carlos Queiroz, who has become a father figure to the former Sporting Lisbon star, has left to take charge of the Portugal national side.

And Ronaldo is relishing the opportunity of another season at Old Trafford, determined to help United keep hold of their Premier League and Champions League trophies.

"I feel very comfortable," he said.

"I had my first game a couple of weeks ago against Villarreal and everyone appreciated the way I played.

"I feel very good in the club and I feel very happy. I want to carry on like that."

Meanwhile, Ferguson faces an anxious wait to discover the extent of the damage suffered by Scholes and Rooney at the Energi-Nord Arena.

Scholes was strechered off with what Ferguson thinks is medial knee ligament damage after injuring himself turning sharply, while Rooney is expected to miss Saturday's trip to Blackburn with an ankle injury that could also sideline him for this month's World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Belarus.

"Wayne felt his ankle," confirmed Ferguson.

"We hope it is not ligament trouble but he is doubtful for Saturday I would imagine

"We do not know exactly how serious Paul's injury is at this moment in time," added the United boss.

"It looks like medial ligament damage, which would be six to eight weeks, which is a bit of a blow."

2R on fire for United; MU 2:0 Bolton

A controversial Cristiano Ronaldo penalty put Manchester United on the road to their first Premier League home win of the season - a 2-0 victory over Bolton.

Bolton were proving difficult opponents to overcome until referee Rob Styles amazingly awarded a penalty when he seemed perfectly placed to see Jlloyd Samuel play the ball as he made a tackle on Ronaldo.

The Portugal winger took full advantage of Styles' generosity and substitute Wayne Rooney wrapped up the win 13 minutes from time, curling home in superb fashion after exchanging passes with Ronaldo near the Bolton box.

Cris 1st goal this season; MU 3:1 Middlesbrough(Carling Cup)

Cristiano Ronaldo scored on his first start of the season in Manchester United's 3-1 League Cup victory over Middlesbrough and Mexican star Carlos Vela hit three as Arsenal's youngsters overwhelmed Sheffield United 6-0 on Tuesday.

Liverpool edged League One Crewe 2-1 but West Ham and Fulham were the victims of third-round upsets. The Hammers lost 1-0 at Watford and Fulham went down 1-0 at Burnley.
With the Premier and Champions Leagues to think about, the top clubs fielded many of their young stars in the race for the third most important title in English football.

But Ronaldo had been sidelined for three months because of an ankle injury and, after two appearances as a substitute, marked his first start by heading home a corner by Ryan Giggs in the 25th minute against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford.

After Adam Johnson's 56th-minute deflected shot levelled for Boro, teammate and defender Emmanuel Pogatetz was sent off for a foul that led to lengthy treatment for United forward Rodrigo Possebon. Ryan Giggs then punished a blunder by Chris Riggott to put United back in front in the 70th, and Nani added the third in injury time.

MU 1:1 Chelsea

United clinched a valuable point at Stamford Bridge but, having taken the lead through Ji-sung Park, could have snatched all three points were it not for slack marking from a Chelsea free-kick, allowing Salomon Kalou to grab a late equaliser....More

CR return gets a real welcome; MU 0:0 Villarreal

Manchester United were held to a 0-0 draw by Villarreal in Champions League Group E - but welcomed Cristiano Ronaldo back into action.

The Red Devils bossed possession at Old Trafford and had two penalty appeals involving Park Ji-Sung turned down.

But after Guillermo Franco hit United's upright with a cheeky back-heeled effort on 59, fit-again winger Ronaldo came off the bench on 62 and his cross set up a late chance for defender Jonny Evans, who steered a low header against the visitors' upright on 83 minutes.

Nani and Carlos Tevez forced decent saves from Diego Lopez, but Park was unlucky not to win at least one spot-kick after seemingly being fouled in the box by Sebastian Eguren and then Joan Capdevila.

Franco beat Edwin van der Sar but not the woodwork with his back-heel - but Ronaldo's introduction sparked United into life and only the post denied Evans a match-winner in the dying stages.

Afterwards Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes the reception Cristiano Ronaldo received during the goalless Champions League draw at home to Villarreal will have convinced the player he made the right decision in staying with the club.

"He has had a turbulent summer and a lot has been said about it but when I had my meeting in June in Portugal with him that was over," Ferguson said.

"He dedicated himself to getting fit and his commitment to the club.

"It (the crowd's reception) was important for Cristiano.

"I think he realises what a great club he is at and how loyal the fans are. He will take great encouragement from that."

Despite the disappointment of a draw in their opening Champions League match, Ferguson was relatively happy with the performance from a team which included a number of players short of match practice.

"We made a lot of good chances, we played really good football, we played with speed," he added.

Cris back for United against Villarreal

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will make his long-awaited comeback against Villarreal in the Champions League tomorrow night.

The Manchester United manager said the Portugal winger would play some part in United's opening match of their European campaign after recovering from an ankle operation in July.

Ferguson will be without Michael Carrick, who has broken his foot, and revealed that Dimitar Berbatov is likely to also miss the match with a knee injury. However, Ferguson said Berbatov's fitness would have no bearing on his decision to recall Ronaldo.

"He [Ronaldo] will certainly be involved," the manager said. "Whether he will be starting or not will not be determined by the fitness of other players. It's still a major decision but I would think it is more likely he will start on the bench."

Ferguson dismissed suggestions that the player could be abused by fans after his flirtation with Real Madrid over the summer.

"I don't think there are any concerns about that," Ferguson said. "The fans understand the situation, that he was a young man tempted by the lure of money, but since we told him our decision he has accepted it well and his training has been fantastic.

"He had said that he would like to go to Real Madrid, but once we had our meeting, that was all finished. He accepted our decision and just got on with it and there hasn't been one problem since.

"And in terms of his injury, he has been one of the best patients I've ever seen. He has been working hard, every day until 5pm, and he has shown a real determination to get back and play for us.

"He has shown fantastic maturity over the last few weeks. There has been no pettiness, no chucking toys out of the pram. He has worked hard every day and his recovery is a credit to him and the physios."

Golden Shoe

Cristiano Ronaldo is already at Funchal, where he will receive the GoldenShoe this Saturday. Ronaldo arrived with very straight security, and although it was difficult to get to the players, the Portuguese player said a few words.

«It is a pride to receive the GoldenShoe at Madeira, and it is a compliment to my father and to my family.», he said to a huge number of journalists.
Manchester United’s star travelled to Madeira in a private flight, accompanied by his family, and the police built such a huge security project, that the kids who went to the airport to get an autograph turned out with nothing.

The environment towards Ronaldo is huge and it was very quick that the player abandoned the airport, but he said that he was already recovered.

Cristiano Ronaldo was very well.homoured and optimistic on the press conference of the ceremony of the delivery of the GoldenShoe.
«All goals are important, but my favourite was against Roma.»
«Within one or two weeksI'll be 100%. Let's see if the doctors let me. For the National Team, in october, I'll be even better.»

«I'm anxious to get back. I'm going crazy with so much time stopped. If he (Ferguson) wants to count on me (for VillaReal Match) make it his wish»
«Only misses who is there. That's what they say. They have lost with me too. At last year's season we also lost firts games, and we were champions. Of course that begining bad is always complicated, but I have hope that ManUtd will return to victoys very soon.»

«There are very nice laces. But I like Madeira, that is where the people who I like are, and this is a place like any other place. And this serves to prove to people who like me and admire me that I'm still the same whether a win a lot of awards or not. But sometimes I cant give so much attention, like yesterday at the airport, because sometimes "accidents" happen.»

»I never thought to cost that much» (ManCity)
»The boy is expensive» he said in laughs »By one side it is good to hear it, beacuse they are giving me a lot of value, but it can by only mouth (llaughs). Sometimes money cant make bug teams. I don't see myself moving from ManUtd to ManCity.»
About Zidane: «It's good to hear it from one of the Best player in the world. Every player knows who deserves the prize (FIFA award), they saw the seaosn that each player done. I think taht by my regularity, and by the goals I scored in the Champions League and English League I deserve the prize. We'll see in December.»

Cris is ready

Cristiano Ronaldo could make a shock return for United in the next few days after Sir Alex Ferguson revealed he may take the winger with him to Anfield.

Wednesday's Champions League Group E opener against Villarreal at Old Trafford might be a safer bet, but either way the news is a significant and surprising boost to United as some reports had suggested last season's 42-goal hero would be out of action until October.

The Portuguese winger has been sidelined since undergoing a successful ankle operation in Amsterdam at the start of July. However, his rehab work in Manchester has gone so well in recent weeks that his inclusion in Sir Alex's XI is now close.

Sir Alex told MUTV on Friday morning: "Ronaldo is training now, he's with the first team. He's come on leaps and bounds and I may take him with us tomorrow, who knows? But he's more likely to be involved next week.

"I think we mentioned a couple of weeks ago he was making rapid progress in terms of overcoming the injury problem he had and the training he's been doing with the physios and Tony Strudwick the fitness coach.

"He's been making great strides in the direction towards first-team football."

The summer months were riddled with press speculation and uncertainty over his future. But he has decided his future remains in Manchester and his impending return to action is a real filip for Sir Alex ahead of another key match against Chelsea.

Cris named European club footballer of the year

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo was named UEFA's European Club Footballer of the Year on Thursday after scoring 42 goals last season including eight in the Champions League.

The award was made during the draw for this year's group phase at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.

Ronaldo was also named as the forward of the year for helping United win the European Cup for the third time.

Three Chelsea players who were in the side beaten by United in the Moscow final in May, won awards. John Terry was named as defender of the year, Petr Cech goalkeeper of the year and Frank Lampard midfielder of the year.

Cris stay

Cristiano Ronaldo finally pledged his immediate future to Manchester United - but perhaps only for one more season.

In an interview with Portuguese newspaper Publico published today, Ronaldo reveals that although he still wants to play for Real Madrid some time in the future, he will remain a United player for this campaign.

He praises manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who on Monday insisted that Ronaldo would be staying, with the player's words putting an end to the summer's longest -running transfer saga.

Ronaldo said: 'Sir Alex Ferguson heard my reasons, I heard his and we have an agreement that the best for both parties would be if I stay. Therefore, I can confirm that next season I will play in Manchester United.

'For a while, my desire was that Manchester would accept Real Madrid's bid. To say the opposite would be cheating people and my own conscience.'

The news made it a double boost for Ferguson and United, with Wayne Rooney making a faster than expected recovery from the bug he picked up during the pre-season trip to Nigeria. He may be fit for the season's opener at home to Newcastle on Sunday week.

Miss start of season after ankle surgery

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo had surgery Monday on his right ankle, and the English Premier League team says it will know in a month when he'll be able to return.

The Portuguese star could miss the start of the season next month. He revealed after last month's European Championship he had been playing in pain the past three months.

Ronaldo, 23, arrived at the hospital Sunday night. He is expected to leave the Academic Medical Center today, hospital spokesman Johan Kortenray told the Associated Press.

"The initial indications are that the procedure was successful," Man United said in a statement.

Ronaldo scored 42 goals for Man United last season, powering them to triumphs in the Premier League and Champions League. But at Euro 2008, Portugal was ousted in the quarterfinals.

The ankle surgery comes amid speculation of a possible move to Real Madrid.

Real Madrid president Ramón Calderón said Sunday he is ready to begin transfer talks with Man United, but is not confident about signing the winger even if Manchester United consents.

GO or STAY ?

Cristiano Ronaldo has made his mind up about his football future, but won't be revealing whether it is with Manchester United or Real Madrid for up to three days.

The Portuguese star, speaking after their 3-2 defeat to Germany in Thursday night's Euro 2008 quarter-final, said he was close to revealing his thinking.

"In two or three days' time I will announce my future because the tournament is over for me," he told the British Press Association.

"I have to speak to Manchester United and we will see. I will talk to them and see what happens. Everyone knows what I want but in the next two or three days you'll have something new."

Ronaldo told reporters the "possibilities" of going to Real Madrid were "great," but that it did not "always depend on me."

"I have many desires and in the next few days they will become clear."

He also revealed to the French newspaper L'Equipe that he was to undergo foot surgery for a minor problem.

"It is now three months I have played with this little foot problem."

United released a statement Friday reiterating that Ronaldo was not for sale.

"United are not listening to offers... the 23-year-old United star is not for sale,'" the statement said.

The winger has been the source of heated speculation about his future at Manchester United for months, with Real Madrid making clear they want to sign him at any cost.

United made a formal complaint to FIFA about Real Madrid's interest last week, but football's governing body said no regulations had been broken.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has criticized Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon and coach Bernd Schuster for what he considers heavy-handed tactics and use of the Spanish media to unsettle players.

The trigger for the protest was believed to have been Calderon's comments earlier this month about his "pride" and "honor" that Ronaldo wants to play for his club.

The 23-year-old Ronaldo scored 42 goals in helping Manchester United win both the English and European titles last season.

Portugal 2:3 Germany in quarter-fianl

Germany progressed to the semi-finals of the UEFA European Championship for the first time since 1996 as goals from Bastian Schweinsteiger, Miroslav Klose and Michael Ballack secured a 3-2 victory over Portugal in Basel.

Heads, you win
The Mannschaft ended up lifting the Henri Delaunay trophy that year and the way they raised their game to meet the challenge of a Portugal side that refused to lie down – halving a two-goal deficit twice through first Nuno Gomes and then, in the dying minutes, Hélder Postiga – augurs well for Joachim Löw's team. By contrast, it was a night when the worst fears of Portugal's Chelsea FC-bound coach Luiz Felipe Scolari were realised, his pre-match nightmares about Germany's aerial superiority materialising in the form of headed goals by Klose and Ballack. Portugal were semi-finalists in 2000 and runners-up in 2004 and Scolari had hoped to take that final step at UEFA EURO 2008™ but his farewell party fell flat at St. Jakob-Park, where Portugal were overpowered by opponents who shrugged aside impressively their occasional first-stage torpor.

Debt paid
With Simão probing down the right, Scolari's men appeared to be finding their stride as they offered the first threat on goal when Bosingwa crossed and João Moutinho, free of his marker but seemingly caught in two minds, steered the ball over at the near post with his knee. Yet in the 22nd minute they fell behind. It was a wonderfully worked goal too, swift passing between Philipp Lahm, Ballack and Lukas Podolski advancing the ball down the left, with Podolski bursting clear to drive in a low cross which Schweinsteiger converted with a sliding finish. Schweinsteiger's coach Löw had told the midfielder he had a "debt" to his team-mates after his red card against Croatia and here, in his first start of the finals, he resembled a man on a mission.

Scoring feat
Scorer of two goals against Portugal at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Schweinsteiger was the architect of their second here too, drifting a free-kick into the Portugal box which Klose, ghosting clear of the red shirts, headed past Ricardo. Raul Meireles replaced the injured Moutinho and Portugal went in search of a lifeline. It came via captain Nuno Gomes five minutes before the break. Simão's crossfield ball sent Ronaldo racing clear of Per Mertesacker down the inside-left channel and though Jens Lehmann blocked his shot, Gomes was first to the rebound, striking first time into the net via the foot of Christoph Metzelder, defending desperately on the line. It was Gomes's sixth goal on the European stage over three tournaments – a scoring span only achieved by Jürgen Klinsmann, Thierry Henry and Vladimír Šmicer before him.

Tense finish
Ronaldo was a whisker away from an equaliser moments before half-time, flashing the ball past Lehmann yet just wide of the far post. Deco did find the net shortly after the interval but was in an offside position and the little midfielder then flicked on a Simão corner to set up Pepe, only for the defender to nod over. Ballack showed him how it should be done in the 61st minute when – to the displeasure of his future manager – he shrugged off Chelsea FC team-mate Paulo Ferreira and beat Ricardo to another Schweinsteiger free-kick to head home. Scolari sent on Nani and Postiga as Portugal chased the game and the pair combined to ensure a nervy finale when Postiga headed in from Nani's left-wing delivery but the glimmer of hope was soon extinguished.

Portugal 3:1 Czech; Man of the match Cristiano

Man of the match Cristiano Ronaldo declared himself "very happy" after putting Portugal on the brink of a Euro 2008 quarter-final place.

The Portuguese overcame Czech Republic 3-1 at the Stade Geneve on Wednesday to move onto six points from two games in Group A.

Ronaldo and substitute Ricardo Quaresma struck second-half goals - the latter in stoppage time - to earn the victory after Libor Sionko had cancelled out Deco's opener.

"Our main aim was to get to next phase. I'm very happy to have helped my team-mates to win," said the Manchester United star.

"I managed to score, and my goal is dedicated to the Red Cross. I'm thinking about the children and that makes me very proud."

Ronaldo acknowledged his team had struggled to assert themselves in the first half but was pleased with how they worked together to clinch the win.

"We played very well, although Czech Republic played very well in the first half," said the 23-year-old.

"It was very difficult to penetrate their defence. Portugal have played well in the first match and well again in this match as a team.

"We know how to sacrifice everything for the good of the team. We have now got a big chance but must respect our opponents because they too have a mission - they want to win as we do.

"If we carry on playing like this, we have a good chance."

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari admitted he was surprised with the decision of opposite number Karel Bruckner to start with Milan Baros up front rather than Jan Koller.

"It was a surprise for me because we had planned to play against a starting XI that would include Koller," said the Brazilian tactician.

"The fact Baros was there didn't make life easy. We faced difficulties because they had four or five in midfield and we had two wingers so we didn't know what to do."

The victory maintains Portugal's 100% start following their opening-day win over Turkey.

The Czechs - who beat co-hosts Switzerland 1-0 in the curtain-raiser - now have to wait until Sunday to clinch a last-eight spot when they face Fatih Terim's Turks.

Bruckner felt his changes were the right decisions but just rued the fact his team ran out of gas after the break.

"I made two changes and I think they played pretty well," he said.

"Some players fared better than against Switzerland. In the first half we proved we are a good team. We know how to play in defence and in attack.

"We had more chances to score than in the first match. There were serious problems in attack in the first match and that was not the case in this match."

Bruckner reserved special praise for Jaroslav Plasil as well as the two players he brought in - Baros and Marek Matejovsky.

He said: "Plasil was excellent and Baros also proved he is a high-quality player. Matejovsky played well in the first half and had enough strength in the first half.

"In the second half, we saw the team get a bit tired and our opponents put in a perfect performance in attack.

"They did not go for counter-attacking only - they were able to make perfect transitions from attack to defence.

"They played very well. But it's not over for us. We still have the third match and we are ready for that."

Portugal 2:0 Turkey; CR hit the bar

Cristiano Ronaldo was again the star of the show as Portugal defeated Turkey 2-0 in Euro 2008 Group A.

Those fearing a tight, tactical battle as is often the case early on in major tournaments would have been highly impressed by Portugal's attacking credentials as they overran their limited opponents, with Ronaldo once again the centre of attention.

He may not have got on the scoresheet - he came mighty close with a superb free-kick which came back off the post - but his ability to ghost past players and bring others into the game was just as crucial for Portugal as his goals have been for Manchester United.

But he was not the only Premier League star who shone, as Chelsea fans got a glimpse of what to expect from their new full-back Jose Bosingwa.

He has pace, power and strength, and looked a threat going forward too and Stamford Bridge punters could be in for a treat next season - Bosingwa could be the man to make the problematic right-back slot his own.

A man who tried, but ultimately failed in that position for the Blues is Paulo Ferreira. He performed solidly at left-back for the Portuguese, although he was never really tested by the Turks.

The same applies to Ricardo Carvalho who was his usual commanding self at the heart of the defence, as his marauding partner Pepe grabbed the headlines by opening the scoring.

Nani briefly shone from the bench for Portugal, but English fans will be hoping to see more of the silky skills of Simao next season.

The winger looks set to leave Porto, with Liverpool and Chelsea linked with a move, and he showed exactly why Europe's top clubs will be keeping an eye on him with some excellent touches and some killer passes.

Emotional night for Cris

On a night of European glory, Cristiano Ronaldo gave Reds fans even more reason to celebrate when he quashed rumours that he could join Real Madrid this summer by pledging his future to United.

When asked by a TV reporter whether he would be leaving the club with which he has already achieved so much in his short career, Ronaldo gave the emphatic reply all Reds fans wanted to hear.

“No, no, no. I’m going to stay,” he said.

It was a fitting end to an emotional night for the Portuguese winger who opened the scoring in the 26th minute, but then missed his spot-kick in the dramatic penalty shoot-out.

“When I missed the penalty, I thought we were going to lose,” he said.

“I played well in the game and I scored a goal, but I missed the penalty. I thought it was going to be the worst day of my life.

“But the lads did their jobs. They believed they were going to score, and they scored. Penalties is a lottery, you never know who is going to win, but I think we deserve to win because we played better in the game.

“It means everything to me because we won both trophies, the Champions League and the League, so I feel very happy. It is one of the most happy days of my life. I feel very, very proud.”

Kings of Europe!

MU 1:1(6:5) Chelsea
Edwin van der Sar was the hero as United were crowned champions of Europe for the third time after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Chelsea at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

Forty years after first winning the European Cup at Wembley in 1968, and 50 years since the Munich tragedy, fate played a big part as a dramatic Champions League final went to penalties.

After Cristiano Ronaldo had missed his kick for United, John Terry had the chance to win the cup for Chelsea, but the Blues skipper slipped on the run up and his penalty hit the post. After Anderson and Giggs, plus Kalou for Chelsea, then converted, Nicolas Anelka's sudden death shot was finally saved by van der Sar, sparking jubilant scenes among United’s rain-soaked travelling contingent.....More

Cris clinches awards treble

The individual awards keep rolling in for Cristiano Ronaldo, who has picked up the Barclays Player of the Season and Barclays Golden Boot awards to complete a sensational season.

The 23-year-old Portuguese wing wiazard also collected a merit award for reaching 30 league goals this season.

Ronaldo was pivotal in United's Barclays Premier League title success and it was no surprise that he earned the Barclays Player of the Season accolade for the second year in succession.

Whichever way you look at it, Ronaldo has been exceptional this season, and the stats back it up. His 31 goals from 34 league appearances helped see off stiff opposition for the awards from Arsenal’s Emmanuel Adebayor and Fernando Torres of Liverpool.

It's the first time a player has scored more than 30 league goals in a season since Alan Shearer’s 31-goal haul for Blackburn Rovers twelve years ago.

The merit award for reaching 30 goals will also benefit one lucky charity as Ronaldo will receive £1,000 for every goal scored to be donated to a charity of his choice.

However, for all the personal awards showered on the Madeiran magician, his sights will be firmly set on the Champions League trophy in Moscow next Wednesday.

CR Awards 2008
‧PFA Player of the Year
‧Football Writers' Player of the Year
‧Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year
‧United Players' Player of the Year
‧United Goal of the Season (Portsmouth)
‧Barclays Player of the Season
‧Barclays Golden Boot
‧Barclays Merit Prize

Hat-trick for Cris

Cristiano Ronaldo won the treble at United's end of season awards, just hours after the Reds wrapped up the Barclays Premier League title with a thrilling win at Wigan.

Victory at the JJB Stadium made for an electric atmosphere at the Old Trafford party, where individual players at senior, reserve and academy level were rewarded for their efforts.

Ronaldo retained the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year gongs - and added the Goal of the Season award to his collection.

The Portuguese winger actually occupied the top two spots in the Goal of the Season award, taking first place with his stunning free kick against Portsmouth and second for his impudent backheel against Aston Villa.

The treble completes a remarkable campaign for Ronaldo, who earlier this month retained the PFA and Football Writers' Player of the Season awards for his exertions.

The club's other awards were won by Richard Eckersley - the Denzil Haroun Reserve Team Player of the Year - and striker Danny Welbeck, who was named the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year.

United Awards 2007/08

Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year - Cristiano Ronaldo

Players' Player of the Year - Cristiano Ronaldo

Goal of the Season - Cristiano Ronaldo v Portsmouth (free-kick)

Denzil Haroun Reserves Player of the Year - Richard Eckersley

Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year - Danny Welbeck

We're worthy champions

Cristiano Ronaldo believes United are worthy winners of the Premier League title, and says he knew when his spot-kick nestled in the back of the net that United clinch the trophy.

It may not have been so clear-cut for every United fan watching events unfold at the JJB Stadium but Ronny, as usual, took the ever-confident approach.

“The pressure was high, but we believed in ourselves and we deserved to win the title, definitely,” he said.

Some players may have been nervous stepping up to take the spot-kick midway through the first-half. Not Ronaldo.

“I was confident because I felt that if I scored we would win the match. I am very happy to help my team.”

Ronaldo’s 31 league goals in the 34 games played a huge part in delivering United’s 17th league championship crown, but he says praise cannot be heaped on one player.

“This was a team effort and I think we deserved it because we are the best team in the Premier League.”

MU 2:0 Wigan, Won 10th Premier League title

Manchester United won its 10th Premier League title in 16 years Sunday, getting a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo and another goal from Ryan Giggs to beat Wigan 2-0 on the final day of the season.

Ronaldo put United ahead in the 33rd minute after Emmerson Boyce pulled down Wayne Rooney in the 32nd, and Giggs scored in the 80th off a pass from Rooney to ensure that the defending champions retained their league title.

Giggs, who has played in every Premier League-winning campaign, came off the bench in the second half to match Bobby Charlton's club-record 758 games. The former United great celebrated Giggs' goal in the directors box at the JJB Stadium.

Charlton, a survivor of the 1958 Munich air crash that killed eight of his teammates, came down to the field to embrace the current team after Wigan had formed a guard of honor as they returned after the final whistle.

Giggs raised the trophy with artificial flames flickering behind and fireworks exploding around the stadium.

United finished the 38-game season with 87 points, two points more than Chelsea, which was held to a 1-1 tie by Bolton. If Chelsea had won, United still would have won the league title on goal difference.

The two teams face each other on May 21 in the Champions League final in Moscow.

Cris strike worth £50k

Betfred boss Fred Done was in seventh heaven when Cristiano Ronaldo netted his 30th league goal of the season against West Ham, even though it cost him £50,000!

At the start of March, lifelong United fan Fred pledged the cash to the Manchester Children's Hospital if the winger managed to reach the landmark, and he is elated that the charity will benefit from Ronaldo's re-writing of the record books.

"I am absolutely delighted that Ronaldo has managed to reach such an amazing landmark, and even more delighted to be paying the £50,000 to the Manchester Children's Hospital," said Fred. "If the money helps just one child and a family then the whole thing has been well worthwhile."

Cristiano was equally delighted to have inadvertantly aided the hospital, through his stunning goalscoring form. "I've got 30 goals and the money goes to the hospital now so I'm very pleased," he told Sky Sports. "It's a wonderful moment for me. My team-mates have helped me a lot."

MU 4 : 1 West Ham, Cris netted his 40th goal

Manchester United moved to within one win of the Premier League title with a comfortable victory against West Ham.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored from 12 yards after three minutes and bundled home his 40th goal of the season from close range in the 24th minute.

Carlos Tevez added a brilliant third from 25 yards before Nani was sent off for head-butting Lucas Neill.

Dean Ashton pulled one back with an overhead kick, but Michael Carrick drove in a fourth after 58 minutes.

The victory means United will retain the title with victory at Wigan next Sunday, thanks to their vastly-superior goal difference compared to rivals Chelsea.

United were helped by a desperately listless West Ham side that never gave the slightest hint they would repeat last season's win at Old Trafford that preserved their Premier League status.

And any fears boss Sir Alex Ferguson may have had about a hangover following their Champions League semi-final victory against Barcelona on Tuesday were dispelled by a vibrant performance.

If United were craving a fast start and an early goal, they could not have wished for more generous defending on the part of West Ham that gave them the lead after three minutes.

Ronaldo escaped the attentions of Neill, and the rest of the Hammers' defence stood off as he raced into the area and beat Robert Green with a deflected shot.

West Ham were almost allowed a route back into the game three minutes later when United keeper Edwin van der Sar was uncertain and Patrice Evra had to clear off the line from Bobby Zamora.

And the visitors had appeals for a penalty waved away when Wes Brown handled under pressure from Zamora, but referee Mike Riley gave a foul against the West Ham striker.

United doubled their lead after 24 minutes when West Ham failed to deal with Owen Hargreaves' long cross and the ball went into the net off Ronaldo's thigh at the far post for his 40th goal of the season.

Tevez made it three against his former club two minutes later when he sent a vicious swerving drive high past Green from 25 yards.

West Ham looked dejected and beaten, but Ashton gave them a measure of hope with a spectacular overhead kick after 28 minutes.

And the lifeline was extended further 10 minutes before the interval when Nani inexplicably head-butted Neill after a minor fraces - an offence made worse by the Manchester United winger hitting the ground holding his head in a desperate attempt to avoid punishment.

Ashton injured a muscle in scoring his spectacular goal and it was no surprise when he went off early in the second half, to be replaced by Carlton Cole.

West Ham were in no mood to take advantage, however, and desperate defending allowed Carrick to stride forward unopposed to send in a deflected shot from 25 yards for United's fourth after 58 minutes.

It was now damage limitation for Alan Curbishley's side and an opportunity for United to improve their goal difference even further.

And United substitute Darren Fletcher almost added a fifth with 20 minutes left, only to see his angled drive come back off an upright.

The rest of the game was played out in a carnival atmosphere as Old Trafford anticipated another title triumph.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Hargreaves, Brown, Ferdinand, Evra, Nani, Carrick, Scholes (O'Shea 72), Park (Giggs 61), Ronaldo (Fletcher 64), Tevez.
Subs Not Used: Anderson, Kuszczak.

Sent Off: Nani (37).

Booked: Ronaldo.

Goals: Ronaldo 3, 24, Tevez 26, Carrick 59.

West Ham: Green, Pantsil, Tomkins, Neill, McCartney, Noble, Parker, Mullins (Sears 75), Boa Morte (Solano 52), Ashton (Cole 56), Zamora.
Subs Not Used: Walker, Collison.

Booked: Neill, McCartney, Zamora.

Goals: Ashton 28.

Att: 76,013

Ref: Mike Riley (Yorkshire).

BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo 8.77 (on 90 minutes).

You ain't seen nothing yet

Despite scooping the PFA and Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year awards, Cristiano Ronaldo still hasn’t hit top form, according to his manager.

Sir Alex admitted the winger has been “sensational” this season, but promised fans there's still more to come.

“I expected him to win the Football Writers’ Association award,” Sir Alex told Manchester United Radio on Friday morning. “His form this season has been absolutely sensational.

“He’s become a real top-class player. And remember, he’s only 23 years old. When he gets to 25 or 26 we’ll see the finished article.”

Ferguson says Ronaldo’s development into one of the world’s best players stems from the Portuguese player’s strong work ethic and self-belief.

“In his early days he tried to hit his shots a little too hard but he’s improved as a result of his own practising. He scored 23 goals last season and now, with three games left, he’s got 38. Hopefully he’ll reach 40 goals by the end of the season.

“Some players are just born confident and Cristiano certainly has that. When you look back to his debut against Bolton in 2003 he lit up Old Trafford. He had such a big impact and you could see the confidence he had, even then.”

CR doubles up in English awards

Cristiano Ronaldo has retained the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award.

Having retained the Professional Footballers' Association award last weekend, the winger become only the second player to win both the FWA and PFA awards in successive seasons, after former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry (2002/03 and 2003/04).

The United winger saw off the challenges of Liverpool striker Fernando Torres and Portsmouth goalkeeper David James, who finished second and third respectively.

FWA chairman Paul Hetherington said: "Ronaldo's award is no surprise after his brilliant form this season and incredible goal-scoring record and he is, of course, essentially a winger.

"Cristiano was an overwhelming winner and, given his age, he has the potential and ability to dominate this award for years in an unprecedented way."

Ronaldo will be officially presented with his award on May 15, when the FWA holds its annual dinner.

Cris's 2008 Honours
FWA Player of the Year
PFA Player of the Year
PFA Premier League Team of the Year
Barclays Player of the Month - January
Barclays Player of the Month - March