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