Some diehard supporters sent the superstar ‘good riddance’ signals in pre-season, but boss United Ferguson insisted: “I don’t think there are any concerns about that. The fans understand the situation – that he was a young man tempted by the lure of money – but since we told him of our decision, he has accepted it well and his training has been fantastic.”Ronaldo had an ankle operation early in July and plays again at least two weeks earlier than originally anticipated.
No-one will be happier to see him in action than team-mate Carlos Tevez, who said: “He is a massive player for us and it’s great to have him back in the side. It is almost like having an extra player on your side when he plays for you because he is such a danger to our opponents.”
United certainly need a boost, especially in the scoring department. They haven’t hit more than one goal in a game so far and already trail Premier League leaders Chelsea, who they visit on Sunday, by six points. Ronaldo scored 42 goals last season and Fergie clearly believes his reformed rebel is ready to rumble once again.
“Cristiano will certainly be involved, although it is probably more likely that he will start on the bench,” said the United boss. “He said 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. He has been working hard every day until 5pm and he has shown a real determination to get back and play for us. There will be no problems whatsoever with Cristiano. Even if we had won at Liverpool, having Cristiano back would still have been a lift for us. He is a magnificent player and we are delighted that he is back. 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 and his recovery is a credit to him and the physios.”
United are without midfielders Michael Carrick, out for four to six weeks with a cracked bone in his ankle, and the suspended Paul Scholes, while record £30.75m signing Dimitar Berbatov is doubtful after a knock to the knee.
The United manager followed up his criticism of his team after their 2-1 defeat at Anfield by saying: “We didn’t cope with Liverpool’s tackling. To win at this level, you have to compete! Maybe scoring so early put us in the comfort zone a bit. Most players know when they have had a bad day – and that was one of them.” Tevez, the one player to shine throughout a stuttering first few weeks, said: “I think you will see a reaction from the players. Last season after a defeat we came back stronger and that was why we won two titles.”
The Argentine striker even claimed United have what it takes to become the first team ever to win successive Champion League titles. It’s always important to try and win something again,” he said. “It shows the strength of your team if you can go and defend your title.”
If United pull it off, Ferguson would join late Liverpool boss Bob Paisley as the only manager to win three European Cups.
Fergie said: “What is more important is that we get to four successes, joining the likes of Bayern Munich and Ajax.”
Source: Daily Star
