Megson plays down Ronaldo exit

16 October 2009 20:25
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Gary Megson believes Manchester United are as strong as ever despite the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.[LNB] Ronaldo had produced such sensational performances during his time at Old Trafford that there were suggestions United might struggle following his summer move to Real Madrid.[LNB]But the Red Devils have made a strong start to the new season and are currently just two points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea.[LNB]Megson is relishing the prospect of trying to spring a surprise when Bolton face United on Saturday but he is under no illusions as to the size of the task facing his men.[LNB]Asked whether he thought the United team had been weakened by Ronaldo's exit, Megson replied: "No - maybe they are a bit different in that Ronaldo isn't there.[LNB]"But they are also a little bit different in that (Wayne) Rooney is growing in stature with each season that comes along, and there are one or two other players.[LNB]"People seem to be surprised that (Darren) Fletcher is doing as well as he is doing, but he always has.[LNB]"People have always had their opinion about Darren and yet any other football club would take him tomorrow.[LNB]"Because he's not flamboyant, he's rarely got the credit he deserves, but now you see him starting to flourish, you see what Alex Ferguson knew all along."[LNB]Great occasionBolton have enjoyed a good run of form themselves in recent weeks and Megson is in confident mood ahead of the trip to Old Trafford.[LNB]He said: "It's a great occasion. It will be the biggest crowd that most of the players will ever play in front of.[LNB]"The thing that I would like to stress to the players is that it's one thing to say to your grandchildren in the future that you have played there, but it's entirely different to say that you have played there and you have won there. I would love our players to be able to say that.[LNB]"We've been doing okay for the last few games, unbeaten in all competitions.[LNB]"We seem to be playing better as each game has gone on, both technically and in terms of the physical output that has been involved."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports