Manchester United Football Club News

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

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Ferguson stands up for Ron

21 Mar 2008 - 07:14:05

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has launched a strong defence of in-form winger Cristiano Ronaldo against charges that he is a diver.

The 23-year-old Portugal ace has been in scintillating form for the Red Devils this season, netting 33 goals for the Premier League leaders, but some opponents still believe that he goes to ground a little too easily.

Ferguson said: "Arsene Wenger recently complained that his team are on the receiving end of more fouls than any other.

"I'm not sure about that, but what I do know is that Cristiano Ronaldo must be one of the most fouled players in the league.

"The fouls are frustrating, especially for Ronaldo and I have nothing but admiration for the way he picks himself up and keeps running at people.

"Time after time he is tackled unfairly and often opponents try to indicate that he has dived.

"Of course, when Ronaldo is running at full speed sometimes it doesn't take much to knock him over, but the truth is that too many opponents don't know how to tackle properly. To disguise their shortcomings they accuse him of falling deliberately.

"I am pleased for him with the punishment he has taken lately. I have been making the point about his courage and the fact he is determined that he is not going to be kicked out of the game."