Manchester United FC

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• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

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Fergie reveals Ron treatment

10 Apr 2009 - 08:30:34

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted to delivering a few home truths to Cristiano Ronaldo this season to keep the Portugal star grounded.

Ronaldo, 24, has been crowned the world and European football of the year during the past 12 months and was involved in a public transfer tug-of-war between United and Real Madrid last summer.

The winger has struggled to recapture last season's 42-goal highs this year and Ferguson has admitted he has had to refocus Ronaldo on just playing football at times.

"I think that he's had temptations and I think there have been periods when you've seen the effect of it (on the pitch)," Ferguson told CNN.

"He's lucky in the sense that people here can tell him the truth and be straight with him - and he appreciates that and he has responded to that."

Meanwhile, Ferguson has praised the character of the former Sporting Lisbon starlet, who he signed for £12million in 2003.

Referring to the flirtation with Real Madrid and the distractions of last summer, Ferguson added: "If it stays with him and changes him as a person then you have a problem.

"Fortunately Ronaldo has good human qualities. He's a good guy.

"He knows when he's gone too far and he draws back in after that."