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

Ron tops Rovers poll

Cristiano Ronaldo's quick-fire brace against Blackburn has earned the winger the Man of the Match award, as voted by ManUtd.com users.


More than 6500 fans had their say in an online poll after United ended Rovers' unbeaten streak on Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford.

Mark Hughes' men hadn't lost away from home in the league since the last time they came to Old Trafford, back in March.

But two goals in as many minutes – the first a powerful header, the second a simple tap-in after good work down the left by Carlos Tevez – sunk the visitors and left Sir Alex marvelling at his side's killer instinct.Ronaldo didn't light up the stage as he has done on so many other occasions, but his two goals undoubtedly turned the game and he garnered an impressive 53 per cent of the vote.

Ryan Giggs, who turned back the clock with a stunning display of wing wizardry, provided the sternest competition (18%), while Patrice Evra (13%), Owen Hargreaves (11%) and Carlos Tevez (5%) rounded out the voting.

Man Utd's Ronaldo delighted with double

Manchester United wing ace Cristiano Ronaldo was delighted with his brace in yesterday's 2-0 defeat of Blackburn Rovers.

He said: "If I keep scoring two goals every game then it's fantastic, it doesn't matter about the hat-trick. I score goals to help my team not for personal glory.

The most important thing is getting the three points and going back to the top of the table.

"The first goal was a fantastic leap and the second goal killed the game. After that we improved our play and deserved to win. We are in good form."

Source : http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=64642

Man United 2-0 Blackburn : Ronaldo Scores Double!!!!

Manchester United moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's double.

Christopher Samba came very close to giving Blackburn the lead when his rising shot crashed against the bar.

But Ronaldo's header and a side-footed finish, in the space of two first-half minutes, put United in total control.

And any hope Blackburn had of salvaging a point disappeared when David Dunn was sent off for picking up a second yellow card early in the second half.

Clip Highlights

Man Utd's Ronaldo admits battle of the bulge

Manchester United wing ace Cristiano Ronaldo has confessed he battles against an increased waistline because of his love for fine food!

"I have the great fortune of being able to eat at the best restaurants where the food is prepared the best and there are the noblest wines," said Ronaldo.

"It is very good, but is not the best recommended ways for a footballer.

"But I am going to be careful with what I eat because (United manager Sir Alex) Ferguson does not want me to become overweight because that affects my form on the field."

Ronaldo also revealed he's grown to love local food.

He added: "I dated a girl from Manchester and she showed me that steak pies and chips are very good."

Source : http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=64292

Ronaldo: We're better this year

In-form winger Cristiano Ronaldo believes Manchester United now have a better chance of winning the Champions League than last season.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who guided the club to a dramatic European Cup win over Bayern Munich in Barcelona in 1999 and the semi-finals last season, has gone on record as saying as he would like to lift Europe's premier club competition at least one more time.

They have begun that quest well by reaching the knockout stages with two group matches still to play after Wednesday night's 4-0 victory over Dynamo Kiev.

And Ronaldo, whose goal against the Ukrainians at Old Trafford was his eighth in 10 matches in all competitions, believes this season the team could go all the way again.

"Manchester United have the opportunity to win [the Champions League] every season," said the Portugal international, who scored in the 3-2 first leg semi-final victory at home to eventual champions AC Milan last season only to see the side lose 3-0 in Italy a week later.

"You work for that but this season there is a better chance than last season.

"We have more options. We have new players, we have great quality and when you have quality you have the opportunity to score goals - which is what the players try to do.

"We have better players and they want to win the Champions League and the Premier League. You have to believe."

Wednesday's victory saw Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez both score - with defender Gerard Pique heading the opener - and their burgeoning partnership up front is one of the key factors behind United's success this season.

Rooney has nine goals in the campaign and the Argentina striker five, but it is their link-up play with each other which has caught the eye.

Ronaldo praised the pair for working hard to establish their partnership.

"The last five or six weeks they have played fantastically," he said.

"They know each other, score goals and do a fantastic job."

Source : http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1778_2869241,00.html

Man United 4-0 Dynamo Kiev : Ronaldo Scores!!!!

Manchester United qualified for the Champions League knockout stage after a comfortable win against Dynamo Kiev.

Gerard Pique headed his first United goal after 31 minutes and Carlos Tevez quickly added a second after a brilliant exchange with Wayne Rooney.

United continued to dominate and Rooney side-footed home Nani's superb cross with 15 minutes left.

Cristiano Ronaldo's solo effort made it four late on and Roma's draw with Sporting Lisbon sent United through.

Clip Highlight

Arsenal 2-2 Man United

0-1 Wayne Rooney 45'



1-1 Cesc Fabregas 48'



1-2 Cristiano Ronaldo 82'



2-2 William Gallas 90'(+2)

Ronaldo: We're the best

CRISTIANO Ronaldo believes the champions have got the edge over the Premier League leaders.

As United head into the Emirates showdown with Arsenal, last term's double Footballer of the Year is convinced the Reds shade it in terms of quality over the Gunners.

"All Arsenal's team are playing fantastically, it is not just about one or two players," said United's 22-year-old winger.

"The team has a good spirit about it. It is a young team and they all like to play. That is good.

"They have won a few important games and are playing attractive football just like us. They are very similar to us.

"At the moment we are the best two teams in the Premier League. It will be tough against them. But it is an opportunity for us. In my opinion we have the better players.

"We have to think about ourselves. We have a very good team and a good spirit. We are mature and are playing very consistently.

"Meanwhile, Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson says the title holders can retain their crown but is expecting a late challenge from Chelsea and Liverpool.

"At the moment I think it's looking set to be between Arsenal and ourselves at the top," said Fergie. "When you come to January, though, and it really does start, then you expect to see Liverpool and Chelsea.

"Once the internationals get out of the road, then I think you'll find that the Premier League will settle down; we'll get a true perspective of who is going to be really challenging. "So far there have been some surprise results".

We have had some incredible injury situations, but over the last few years we've been like that at early season with a lot of injuries."I pray that by the time we come to December - we have got a good strong squad together.

I feel that once we get all our players together, we are capable of going on and winning the league again."

Source : http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1022661_ronaldo_were_the_best?rss=yes

Man Utd's Ronaldo: I want more trophies - for me!

Cristiano Ronaldo wants to keep winning trophies - for both himself and Manchester United.

The Portuguese wing ace won the PFA Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year awards last season, and is in the running for this year's World Player of the Year crown.

Ronaldo, 22, told The Sun: "Of course I want to win more trophies and individual awards - for me, that is very important.

"I try to improve every year and I'm not the same player I was three years ago. I think I'm a better player now, more mature.

"I understand the game more, I'm more consistent and my team-mates have helped me a lot.

"I like to watch myself on video after the game to see what I do well and what I do badly - and this is making me a stronger and better player."

Last year, the wing wizard won £400 from Sir Alex Ferguson after the Manchester United boss bet him he wouldn't score more than 15 goals.

But no wagers have been placed this time round and Ronaldo added: "I haven't had a bet with the boss this season - maybe it's because he's scared!

"I just want to score more goals than last year. It's always important to score as it's good for your confidence and good for the team.

"But it's important as well to be part of the team, to help the side with assists and good passes and that is what I try to do every game."

Source : http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=62874

Man Utd ace Ronaldo: Premiership misses Mourinho

Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo believes the Premiership miss former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.

He told The Sun: "Mourinho is a great coach, a great manager and a good man and I think the English people like him because his style is different, his personality is different.

"The Premier League has changed a little bit without him but Chelsea will be OK, they're playing well."

Source : http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=62873

Ronaldo backs Man Utd for double

Cristiano Ronaldo believes Manchester United will retain their Premier League title and win a third European Cup after a solid start to the season.

The Portuguese winger has scored six goals to help United to second in the domestic table and to win their opening three games in the Champions League.

And the 22-year-old said: "I believe we will win the Premier League and the Champions League this season.

"We have the team, we have the players and we believe we can do it."

United have won their last eight games, scoring four goals in each of their last four matches.

And Ronaldo continued: "Many players are scoring goals and this is good for our motivation - the last three weeks have been fantastic and we need to keep it going."

The Red Devils travel to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday to face an Arsenal side who are top the table and yet to lose in the league.

"Arsenal are playing fantastic, attractive football and they are one of the most difficult teams to play against," Ronaldo added.

"But it's a good opportunity to see how good we are - Arsenal have started well, but the season is a marathon and you need to be consistent."

Source : http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/7068690.stm

Fergie fears for Man Utd star Ronaldo

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson fears Cristiano Ronaldo's career could be cut short by Europe's hatchet men.

Ferguson said: "I am worried too many defenders are pursuing a policy of stopping Ronaldo by fair means or foul.

"Some of the tackles on him have been ridiculous this season.

"I don't mean defenders should let him through, but I do expect refs to protect him more.

"I expect opposition fans to boo our man but I don't expect refs to be influenced by the hostility.

"Special players like Ronaldo, whom fans want to see play, need to be encouraged rather than kicked out of the game."

Source : http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=62541

United aim to string quartet together

Manchester United will smash a 100-year record if they score four against Middlesbrough - but Cristiano Ronaldo is only interested in points.


Having hit a combined tally of 12 goals past Wigan, Aston Villa and Dynamo Kiev in the last three games, United know another quartet against Gareth Southgate's strugglers at Old Trafford will see them emulate the feat of Billy Meredith's side during the 1907-08 campaign by netting four in four consecutive games.

Such an extraordinary long wait, for a club of United's free-scoring potential, emphasises just how impressive an achievement it would be.

But for Ronaldo, who has contributed four to the total with doubles against Wigan and Kiev, the statistic is irrelevant in the continued pursuit of honours.

"Of course, if you have an opportunity to score more goals you should take it because the fans enjoy the game more and the players' confidence increases," he said.

"But I don't worry about how many goals we get, I am only interested in how many points we get.

It could be half-nil for all I care just as long as we win."
Ronaldo does accept there has been a startling transformation in United's scoring fortunes during October.

Prior to the Wigan game, Sir Alex Ferguson's men had scored just nine times in 11 outings.

Yet, it is not just the number of goals that has impressed Ronaldo, it is the number of players who have scored them, with Rio Ferdinand particularly prolific in recent times.

Throughout his career, Ferdinand has never scored more than three in a season. Yet, after successive strikes, and one against Russia for England at Wembley, he is already up to that tally this term.

And Ronaldo would be happy to see the £29.1million defender match him stride-for-stride in the scoring stakes.

"I have kept telling Rio he has great qualities," observed Ronaldo.
"He is tall and strong and exceptionally good in the air. I hope he scores a lot more, more than me if he can. I would be very happy if he did that."

In truth, there is little chance of that, with Ferdinand soon likely to concentrate his energies on keeping United's opponents out, as he did so effectively at the start of the campaign.

It is Ronaldo, with six goals in six games, and Rooney, with seven in six for club and country, who provide the main offensive threat for Ferguson and his team over the coming weeks.

Middlesbrough have proved obdurate opponents in recent seasons, grabbing at least a point on five of their last six league visits to Old Trafford.

But with table-toppers Arsenal due at Liverpool on Sunday, six days before they entertain United at the Emirates Stadium, now is not the time for the Red Devils' winning streak to end.

"It is always difficult to play after a Champions League match but that would not be justification for winning tomorrow," said Ronaldo.
"Middlesbrough are a difficult team to play against but we are at home and we are confident.

"We all know Arsenal have a difficult game this weekend. If we win and they lose, it will give us a chance to play without pressure next week."

Credit : http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1778_2826783,00.html

I'd be happy if Rio scored more than me this season, reveals goal hungry Ronaldo

Manchester United may be on the brink of smashing a 100-year-old scoring record - but Cristiano Ronaldo does not care whether they get another four against Middlesbrough, just so long as they win.

Having smashed a combined tally of 12 goals past Wigan, Aston Villa and Dynamo Kiev in the last three games, United know another quartet against Gareth Southgate's strugglers at Old Trafford will see them emulate the feat of Billy Meredith's side during the 1907-08 campaign by netting four in four consecutive games.

Such an extraordinary long wait, for a club of United's free-scoring potential, emphasises just how impressive an achievement it would be.

But for Ronaldo, who has contributed four to the total with doubles against Wigan and Kiev, the statistic is irrelevant in the continued pursuit of honours.

"Of course, if you have an opportunity to score more goals you should take it because the fans enjoy the game more and the players' confidence increases," he said.

"But I don't worry about how many goals we get, I am only interested in how many points we get. It could be half-nil for all I care just as long as we win."
Ronaldo does accept there has been a startling transformation in United's scoring fortunes during October.

Prior to the Wigan game, Sir Alex Ferguson's men had scored just nine times in 11 outings.

Yet, it is not just the number of goals that has impressed Ronaldo, it is the number of players who have scored them, with Rio Ferdinand particularly prolific in recent times.

Throughout his career, Ferdinand has never scored more than three in a season. Yet, after successive strikes, and one against Russia for England at Wembley, he is already up to that tally this term.

And Ronaldo would be happy to see the £29.1million defender match him stride-for-stride in the scoring stakes.

"I have kept telling Rio he has great qualities," observed Ronaldo. "He is tall and strong and exceptionally good in the air. I hope he scores a lot more, more than me if he can. I would be very happy if he did that."

In truth, there is little chance of that, with Ferdinand soon likely to concentrate his energies on keeping United's opponents out, as he did so effectively at the start of the campaign.

It is Ronaldo, with six goals in six games, and Rooney, with seven in six for club and country, who provide the main offensive threat for Ferguson and his team over the coming weeks.

Middlesbrough have proved obdurate opponents in recent seasons, grabbing at least a point on five of their last six league visits to Old Trafford.

But with table-toppers Arsenal due at Liverpool on Sunday, six days before they entertain United at the Emirates Stadium, now is not the time for the Red Devils' winning streak to end.

"It is always difficult to play after a Champions League match but that would not be justification for not winning tomorrow," Ronaldo said.
"Middlesbrough are a difficult team to play against but we are at home and we are confident.

"We all know Arsenal have a difficult game this weekend. If we win and they lose, it will give us a chance to play without pressure next week."

Credit : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=489975&in_page_id=1779&ct=5

Ronaldo at the double as United crush hapless Kiev

Dynamo Kiev 2-4 Manchester United

Two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo helped a dominant Manchester United to a comfortable victory at Dynamo Kiev.

Rio Ferdinand opened the scoring when he headed in a Ryan Giggs free-kick from the left before Wayne Rooney tapped in Wes Brown's low cross.

Diogo Rincon reduced the deficit with a header before Ronaldo nodded in United's third.

Ronaldo scored from the spot after Goran Gavrancic handballed before Ismael Bangoura fired in late for Kiev.

Portugal scores 2 late goals to defeat Kazakhstan 2-1 in Euro qualifier

Portugal scored two late goals Wednesday to earn a 2-1 win over Kazakhstan and move closer to a spot at next year's European Championship.

Substitute Ariza Makukula, making his international debut, gave Portugal a 1-0 lead in the 84th minute on a header from close range after a cross from Ricardo Quaresma.

Cristiano Ronaldo added a second goal in the first minute of injury time, taking a pass from Nani and finishing with a high shot from inside the area.

Dmitry Byakov pulled one back for the hosts five minutes into injury time.

The win puts Portugal in second place in Group A with 23 points from 12 games. Poland leads the group with 24 points, while Finland has 20. Kazakhstan has seven points.

Portugal dominated the game from the outset, and Bruno Alves nearly put his team ahead in the fourth minute, but his header went wide after a free kick from Miguel Veloso.

Ronaldo, Maniche and Ricardo Carvalho also threatened for Portugal in the first half, but struggled to get their efforts on target.

Nani was brought on for Maniche early in the second half as the Portuguese attack slowed, and the visitors created several scoring chances before Makukula was able to break the deadlock.

Makukula was a late addition to the squad, flying in from Portugal to replace injured Benfica striker Nuno Gomes.

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari watched the game from the stands, as he is serving a UEFA ban for scuffling with a Serbia player after a qualifier in Lisbon on Sept. 12.

Portugal next plays Armenia on Nov. 17, and then hosts Finland in the final qualifier for both teams.

Credit : http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/10/17/sports/EU-SPT-SOC-Kazakhstan-Portugal.php


Clip Hilight : Kazakhstan 1-2 Portugal

0-1 Makukula
http://letsprove.tv/video/Sports_zgv7nw9ky41192641506
0-2 C. Ronaldo
http://letsprove.tv/video/Sports_xpgr7ca82z1192641587
1-2 Byakov
http://letsprove.tv/video/Sports_v5wt28a1j91192641664

Man Utd stars Rooney, Ronaldo set for Bollywood role

tribalfooball.com - October 15, 2007

Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney will both be part of a promotion clip for Bollywood football film 'Goal'.

Indian actor John Abraham plays the role of a footballer inspired by the English Premier League champions.

"It's great to be associated with the Manchester United Club for our film," Abraham said. "I have been a die-hard soccer fan since childhood and I have been idolising Manchester United since then.

" The movie's director Vivek Agnihotri said it was the first time that the club would be associated with an Indian movie.

"We have shot in (the) club premises which is also another first for any Indian movie," he said.

The Times of India said England's Wayne Rooney and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo will be among the United heroes featured in promotional clips for the movie.

Ronaldo made 50th appearance and captained for National Team

Cristiano Ronaldo made his 50th appearance and captained for his National Team as Portugal won 2-0 over Azerbaijan earlier today.

That is a legendary achievement considering he's only 22 years old.

Although he did not score, he was Portugal's main threat, always pulling Azerbaijan's strings despite being fouled from left to right. He was unlucky to have scored twice.

However, his performance was enough to earn him MAN OF THE MATCH

Credit : http://cristiano.fan-sites.org/

PHOTOs : Portugal

Ronaldo nets poll win

United fans have backed Cristiano Ronaldo to continue his 2006/07 form and top the Reds' scoring charts come the end of the season.

More than 7000 ManUtd.com visitors participated in the poll, which saw the Portuguese winger blitz the field with a staggering 54 per cent of the votes.

Ronaldo scored 23 times last season and has already found the net four times during the current campaign, inlcuding one against former club Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, England international Wayne Rooney, who also scored 23 times last season, placed second in the poll with 30 per cent of the votes, while summer signing Carlos Tevez rounded out the top three. Tevez took some time before netting his first United goal but has now scored twice in his last three league appearances.

Poll Results:
Who will finish top scorer in 2007/08?

54% – Cristiano Ronaldo

30% – Wayne Rooney

13% – Carlos Tevez

2% – Louis Saha

1% – Other

Credit : http://www.manutd.com/

PHOTOs : Cutie Child

Ronaldo makes peace with Mourinho

Cristiano Ronaldo has called a truce in his feud with Jose Mourinho and wished his fellow countryman all the best for the future.

The pair became embroiled in a major row at the end of last season, which ended with the former Chelsea boss claiming Manchester United star Ronaldo 'lacked class'.

His attack brought a stinging response from Sir Alex Ferguson, who felt compelled to stand up for his star man, marking the low point in what was generally a cordial relationship between the Scot and former Chelsea boss Mourinho.

However, Ronaldo has shown he bears no grudge towards Mourinho and feels the loss of the Portuguese coach will leave a hole in the Premier League.

'English football will miss Jose Mourinho,' said Ronaldo.

'He is a great manager.

'He won a lot of things in England and the titles speak for themselves.

'Maybe he wants a new experience but I wish him all the best.'

Ronaldo : "I believe we are the best team and I think we will win"

"Every season I think United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal will have a chance to win the league. But I believe we are the best team and I think we will win". - Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is confident United will retain the Premier League title, but the winger expects things to be tougher this time round.

Having seen Arsenal and Chelsea finish top of the pile for three seasons, the Reds finally reclaimed the Championship crown in May after a four-year drought.

After a string of 1-0 victories, Ronaldo helped the Reds to a 4-0 victory over Wigan with two second half strikes which temporarily lifted them to top of the table. The Portuguese international admits there is still room for improvement, but he remains convinced United will end the season as champions once more.

CRISTIANO RONALDO's Personal Profile

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Full Name : Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro
Date of Birth : 5th of February 1985 (Monday)
Place of Birth : Funchal (Madeira island, Portugal)
Nationality : Portuguese
Marital Status : Single
Height : 184cm (6 ft 1 in)
Weight : 75kg
Mother's Name : Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro
Father's Name : Jose Diniz Aveiro
Brothers : Hugo Aveiro
Sisters : Elma Aveiro and Katia Aveiro

CHILDHOOD

Nickname : Kluivert (from Patrick Kluivert)
Team : Sport Lisboa e Benfica
Hero : Maradona

FAVOURITES

Current Heroes : Luis Figo and Thierry Henry
Person you'd most like to meet : Mike Tyson
Moviestar : Jean Claude Vandamme
Movies : "The Sixth Sense" and "The Rock"
Actress : Angelina Jolie
Music : Dance Music
Meal : "Bacalhau a Braz" (a Portuguese cod fish, made with potatoes and scrambled eggs)
Drink : "Santal" (Regional fruit drink)
Hobbies : Going for walks, going to the cinema, listening to music and sometimes just spending time alone.

TEAM

Current Club : Manchester United

Number : 7

Playing Position : Right/Left Winger , Forward

Youth clubs : Andorinha, CD Nacional, Sporting CP

Senior clubs : Sporting CP, Manchester United

National team : Portugal