Manchester United FC

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• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

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Proud Ferguson hails Ronaldo

03 Dec 2008 - 08:57:03

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to improve after being named the European Football of the Year.

The 23-year-old Portugal winger was named the winner of this year's Ballon d'Or - which is recognition from France Football magazine of Europe's best player - following his stunning form for the Red Devils during the last 12 months.

His 42 goals last season helped United to a Premier League and Champions League double and Ferguson does not believe the winger will rest on his laurels despite winning the prestigious award.

Ronaldo also became the first United player to win the Ballon d'Or since George Best in 1968.

Club legends Bobby Charlton (1966) and Denis Law (1964) have previously won the award.

"We are very proud. Manchester United had been waiting for this for 40 years," Ferguson told France Football.

"Cristiano is in the tradition of our three other Ballons d'Or. His award is beyond all possible dispute.

"He is only 23 years old. His best years are ahead of him.

"In life, you have two categories of people. Those who reach their goal and go to bed saying to themselves, 'I made it' and the other ones, who are driven by will, desire.

"These ones, when they win the trophy, they say to themselves 'I go on'. Ronaldo has that sparkle in himself."