Fergie: Ronaldo can be world's best

Friday, 27th October 2006
Stuart Brennan

 

FULL FLIGHT: Cristiano RonaldoTHE new, improved Cristiano Ronaldo can become the world's best player.

That is the verdict of United boss Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of the Greater Manchester derby showdown with Bolton at the Reebok Stadium.

The 21-year-old Portuguese winger is expected to return to the Reds line-up after missing the win over Liverpool with an ankle injury sustained on international duty.

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And manager Sir Alex, never usually too keen to build up his young players, backed up assistant manager Carlos Queiroz's recent claim that Ronaldo could go on to become the world's finest.

"Carlos said a few weeks ago that Cristiano can become the best player in the world - and I actually agree," said Ferguson.

"He has everything and he is learning the game now - when to pass, when to hold. The variety of his game has changed and it's quite remarkable.

"It's something we've been working on with the boy and all of a sudden he is grasping all the things we've been saying and that's very encouraging.

"He has scored something like 16 goals in 40-odd games for Portugal. At 21 years of age that's some record, especially as he is a wide player. That's an amazing statistic and it gives you an indication of where the boy is going.

Speed

"In terms of players who can attack and defend at speed, there is no one like Ronaldo in the world game. No-one comes anywhere near him.

"There are some central midfield players like Kaka and Ronaldinho who will attack from central areas very well. They are world-class players, and Ronaldo is certainly in that bracket now."
Ferguson has offered an invitation to Bolton fans to boo the man England fans love to hate after his supposed role in the dismissal of Wayne Rooney during the World Cup finals in the summer.

Ronaldo has thrived on the extra pressure since returning to Manchester, rising above the abuse and speculation that he is about to quit United and head for Spain.

And Ferguson believes the jeers are a sign of respect and fear for the bewildering skills of a player who has been United's star man in the opening months of the season.

"Although fans in England set out to boo him at the start of the season, in truth they are all sat there with their legs and fingers crossed hoping nothing happens to embarrass their team," said Sir Alex.

"I know English football is very tribal. But there is one common denominator - they are all passionate about the game and they recognise a great player. That is what has happened with Ronaldo.

"At Charlton the other week, I was sitting in the directors' box and this guy was going berserk. Even when Cristiano didn't have the ball he was up on his feet shouting at him. All of a sudden, Ronaldo hits the bar with a great shot and the guy sits down for ten minutes.

"He obviously thought it wasn't worth it because he can hurt you with his ability." 

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