Ronaldo back to face Bolton

27/10/2006 10:55, Report by Gemma Thompson


Cristiano Ronaldo is available for United's trip to Bolton having recovered from the illness that prevented him starting against Liverpool last weekend.

The Portuguese winger was only deemed fit enough for a place on the bench because of a flu bug, however, after a week's rest he is ready to make his return against the Trotters on Saturday.

"Ronaldo is back," revealed the United boss at his pre-match press briefing which you can see in full on MUTV Online later this afternoon. "Everyone is fit [apart from Ji-sung Park], but none of the players who played on Wednesday at Crewe will play.

"I'll be relying on the ones who played last Sunday against Liverpool."

The Reds have not lost at Bolton since 1978 and left the Reebok with a 2-1 win last time out. Sir Alex is hoping for a repeat result on Saturday, but fully expects Sam Allardyce's men to put up a brave fight.

"It'll be a tough game," he insisted. "Bolton haven't lost a goal at home this season which is a fantastic record. It reflects the great job that Sam continually does there.

"Sam prepares his team very well for big games and we've experienced some difficult matches over the years. Nevertheless, we're playing well at the moment and I've been very pleased with the consistency and form of the team. That consistency is what we're going to need if we're really going to challenge for the title and hopefully we can keep our run going on Saturday."

In order to do that the Reds will need to a keep close eye on former Arsenal front man Nicolas Anelka, who if fit, could prove to be a tricky customer for United. Sir Alex is fully aware of the threat posed by the French striker and revealed how he once looked at signing the 27-year-old.

"I think anyone would be interested in a player like Anelka and there have been times when I've thought about that," he declared.

"For one reason or another though we didn't do anything about it."