Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Fergie: Fans will support Ron

17 Sep 2008 - 08:01:48

Click To Enlarge

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Manchester United fans to forgive Cristiano Ronaldo for his dalliance with Real Madrid when he makes his return to first-team action.

The 23-year-old Portugal winger was involved in a public tug-of-war between United and their Spanish rivals after claiming he wanted to move to the Bernabeu during a summer of transfer speculation.

Ronaldo could be in line to make his first appearance of the season should Ferguson decide to name him on the bench for Wednesday's Champions League opener against Villarreal at Old Trafford.

Last season's 42-goal top-scorer has been sidelined since undergoing surgery on an ankle problem after Euro 2008.

But when Ronaldo does make his return to first-team action, Ferguson is confident that United supporters will once again get behind the controversial winger.

"I think the fans understand the situation - he was a young man tempted by the lure of money," he said.

"Since we gave him our decision he has accepted it and his training has been fantastic.

"He's come back from his ankle operation ahead of schedule and been the perfect patient.

"Cristiano has been training every day until 5pm and shown real determination to get back playing.

"There has been no toys thrown out the pram. He has accepted the situation and got on with it.

"I'm delighted he is back. You are talking about a truly magnificent player."