Manchester United Football Club News

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

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Ronaldo drinking claims denied

27 Jul 2008 - 13:01:39

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Angry Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has rubbished reports suggesting Cristiano Ronaldo has been partying excessively since Portugal's exit from Euro 2008 last month.

The winger, who is currently recovering from ankle surgery, has been spending time in the USA, with several reports indicating he has been drinking to excess.

However, Ferguson insists: "He was always scheduled to have this time off in Los Angeles. There was no harm in going there.

"He was doing some commercial things. We have someone out there with him.

"All the stuff we have been seeing of him, well, it's a load of rubbish. He's not a drinker for a start.

"There was a report he had been drinking vodka but I spoke to the person we have with him and he said it's rubbish. He is not drinking. It's absolute nonsense.

"As far as comparisons with him and David Beckham are concerned, I'm not going to discuss that.

"Any young player is going to get attention. The important thing is how they handle that.

"We know success changes people but the change you like to see is an elevation in esteem and personality, which makes them better players a lot of the time.

"Cristiano is now reaching that stage with his maturity, personality and the presence he has had on the world stage. We should help him."