Manchester United Football Club News

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

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Fergie hints at Ronaldo role

19 Sep 2008 - 14:55:25

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Sir Alex Ferguson is considering handing Cristiano Ronaldo a swift return to the Manchester United starting line-up for Sunday's showdown with Chelsea.

The Portugal winger made his first appearance of the season following summer ankle surgery during Wednesday's Champions League goalless draw with Villarreal at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo came off the bench for the final 30 minutes and was expected to start the weekend clash with the Blues back among the substitutes.

However, Ferguson has suggested that he could hand last season's 42-goal runaway top-scorer a place in the starting line-up after being impressed by his application during his comeback from surgery.

"Cristiano is bursting to play," said Ferguson. "He is nibbling in my ear all the time.

"He has trained very well and is a natural athlete, so I have no qualms on that score. I just have to decide whether it is the right time."

Meanwhile, Ferguson has backed his side to hit the goal trail after a below-par start to the new season where they have found the net just four times in six games.

"I just want my team to put the ball into the net," he continued.

"We are simply not scoring enough goals to turn the whole thing round.

"But it will come. By October we will be fine, I have no doubt in my mind about that."