Eight Reds braced for big night

As many as eight United players could be involved when the Euro 2008 campaign draws to a close on Wednesday night.

Owen Hargreaves has recovered from tendonitis and could pip Aston Villa's Gareth Barry to a midfield place if England coach Steve McClaren decides to play a 4-5-1 system. Wes Brown is also in the squad to face Croatia at Wembley but Rio Ferdinand is suspended. McClaren has invited the injured Wayne Rooney to Wembley to cheer on his England team mates who need just a draw to qualify for Euro 2008.

Two United players could be on opposite sides in Belgrade. Nemanja Vidic's Serbia need to beat Tomasz Kuszczak's Poland, who have already qualified, to keep their campaign alive. Serbia will then face Kazakhstan on Saturday in a rearranged game and if the result is still crucial, but it remains unclear whether Vidic will be allowed to play in the match as it would mean missing United’s away fixture at Bolton.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani could both play for Portugal when they take on Finland, seeking the point they need to reach the Euro 2008 finals.

The Netherlands and France have both already qualified but Edwin van der Sar is set to play again for the Dutch away at Belarus while Patrice Evra may be given an opportunity for France over the border in Ukraine.

In Group F, Northern Ireland have an outside chance of going through. They must win in Spain, without the suspended United defender Jonny Evans, and hope that Latvia win in Sweden.

Source: http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7BF9E570E6%2D407E%2D44BC%2D800F%2D4A3110258114%7D&newsid=509142

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Ronaldo worthy of Ballon d'Or

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Cristiano Ronaldo would be a worthy Ballon d'Or winner.

"Someday I would like to be voted the best in the world, but it is not an obsession," said Ronaldo. "That's not what drives me.

"During the past few months I have heard it mentioned. For me, that nomination would be a dream come true. But I don't think about it when I get up every day for training.

"Whatever has to happen will happen naturally. If Manchester United are doing well, I will do well. The greater the success of United, the greater the success of each of their players.

"More than any individual title is the feeling my work is appreciated. If, one day, one of these awards is destined for me, it will be welcome and I will be there to receive it."

Ferguson says Ronaldo would be a worthy winner. "The season Ronaldo had was unbelievable stuff," said Fergie.

"Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and George Best all won the European Footballer of the Year award, which was unique coming from one club.

"If any of our lads achieved that, it would be fantastic for us as a football club. Ronaldo is a match-winner, like Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez."

Source: http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=65858

Ronaldo backs Queiroz as next Man Utd manager

Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo is backing assistant manager Carlos Queiroz to eventually succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.

"I have a great relationship with Carlos and I know all the squad like him," said Ronaldo.

"Sir Alex has been at the club for 21 years. It will be very hard to replace him on many levels."

Source: http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=65861

Kaka: Man Utd's Ronaldo best in Europe

AC Milan midfielder Kaka has declared Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo as currently the No1 player in Europe.

The Brazilian is hot favourite to win the European Footballer of the Year award, which is handed out by magazine France Football next month.But Kaka has paid a glowing tribute to Ronaldo.

"He is the best, not only for his technical ability, but also for what he has done with Portugal," said Kaka to Italian media on Sunday.

As for the future, the 25-year-old dreams of captaining Brazil when his country host the 2014 World Cup.

"In 2014, I will still be playing and it would be a marvellous experience to be captain of our national team," he said.

Source: http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=65573

Cristiano: Praise is positive

Cristiano Ronaldo has welcomed Sir Alex's comments on the strength of United's squad.

In his United Review programme notes for Blackburn's visit to Old Trafford, the United boss said he believed the current crop of players could be his best yet.

"It's always good to hear praise from our manager, who, over the years, has coached several United teams," Ronaldo said. "If he says that then it's good for us, especially the new players. It's very positive.

"Ronaldo's form has been central to United's unbeaten streak in the league, which now stretches back to mid-August. Indeed, the Portugal international has found the net 10 times already this season. And yet, some critics claim he's failed to ignite matches in the way he so often did during the 2006/07 campaign.

That kind of criticism doesn't bother Ronaldo. He insists he's playing well and only wants to continue his good form.

"I have scored some goals and played well," he said. "I always work to be the best, with the aim of improving every year on the weaker parts of my game. I’ve been in good form and now I’ve got to make sure I maintain this consistency."

Source : http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7BF9E570E6%2D407E%2D44BC%2D800F%2D4A3110258114%7D&newsid=507786