Progress to be expected

06/12/2006 23:07, Report by Steve Bartram



Cristiano Ronaldo admits United had simply lived up to expectations by reaching the last 16 of the Champions League.

Wednesday night's victory over Benfica gained revenge for last season's role reversal, where the Super Eagles dumped United out of Europe in the group stages.

With that unwanted blip on the Reds' proud European record partially avenged, Ronaldo admitted that United should be reaching at least the quarter-finals every season.

"It was very important to win this game," he told MUTV. "For this club we have to pass the first round. This is an amazing club, a big club and I think every time we have to pass the second round."

Ronaldo was again among United's best players against the Portuguese champions, and he revealed his contentment at the Reds' display.

"It's a Portuguese team and I enjoy playing against them," he said. "We controlled the game and created a few chances. After we scored I think we played very well."

When grilled on United's chances of lifting the Champions League trophy again, Ronaldo remained coy, saying: "In football you never know who will win.

"We're playing very well in the League and the Champions League, and we'll see."
credit: manutd.com