Manchester United Football Club News

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

• Ground:Old Trafford
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Fergie fears for Ronaldo

20 Apr 2007 - 15:19:30

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed his fear that Middlesbrough will target Cristiano Ronaldo during Saturday's Premiership clash.

The in-form Portugal winger has upset Boro players and officials in their previous three meetings this season.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate branded Ronaldo a cheat for diving to win a penalty in the first league meeting of the sides back in December, while in an FA Cup sixth round replay, Ronaldo won another fiercely contested spot-kick after a tackle from Jonathan Woodgate.

Middlesbrough youngster James Morrison was also sent off for a crude lunge at Ronaldo in the same game, while captain George Boateng earned the wrath of the United manager for suggesting the tricky winger would "get hurt" if he continued to humiliate opposition players with his flicks.

"I am fearing the worst about what could happen," said Ferguson. "There is a paranoia about the boy and I think Middlesbrough will be aggressive.

"We have important games coming up and I don't think they will be messing around.

"I don't think Cristiano will be too bothered, but it has set a different tone, which could be a problem."

Ferguson, though, has refused to entertain leaving the flying winger out of his line-up and has backed the 20-goal youngster to cope with potentially hostile opposition players.

"I have not thought about leaving Cristiano out. We have got to try to win the league and we need our best players on the pitch," he continued.

"I am sure he won't be affected by what has been said because the fantastic thing about him is that he is prepared to hold the ball at any given moment and wants to attack defenders.

"Then it is up to the referee to control the game and decide whether players are kicking him or fouling him."