Ronaldo-Stats, Videos & Articles

[Jazz 16]

Once again Ronaldo saved the day against Everton.
He hit 2 more goals to add to his impressive goalscoring record.
Thats 11 in the Prem, 16 for the season and it's only December:eek:
23 last season and 66 goals for United in all. Even for Portugal his record is remarkable. 20 goals in 53 games(and still only 22).
In 2007 he has played 61 games for club and country scoring 31 goals.

He has won all the player of the year accolades in England, come runner up to Kaka in the European Player of the year and 3rd in the World player of the year.

This guy is immense and at 22 is the most exciting player in world football. He can manipulate a football like nobody else and get people off the edge of their seats.

Id like to know how far you all think he can go in his career and what he can achieve?
He's had some good times and some bad times in his footballing life but can he go on to emulate the Best's, Charlton's and Law's of this world?
Will he stay at United for a few years or for his whole career?

It's an exciting time to be a United fan and getting to watch players such as Ronaldo playing for OUR team is just a wonderful feeling. Even though he can sometimes be infuriating to watch he can more than make up for it with some breathtaking moments

Here are some great Ronaldo videos and why we all love Ronnie:)

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/629168/cristiano_ronaldo_2006_2007/

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/168116/c_ronaldo_moves/

[Jazz 16]

17 goals this season now. he seems to be improving on his free kicks as well.
this boy cant do any wrong.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44321000/jpg/_44321671_ronaldo_free_kick.jpg

[Jazz 16]

That hattrick propelled Ronaldo to Uniteds 26th top scorer of ALL time, which is remarkable for a 22 year old.
He went passed Brian Kidd, Steve Coppell and Sammy McIlroy with a total of 72 goals. He is just 10 goals away from Cantona and 13 away from Beckham.
Only 19 players in Uniteds history have scored more than 100.
ronnie keeps racing up the charts and who knows when this will stop. :-)

[Jazz 16]

He didnt play his best today but he ran the length of the pitch to score a goal in the last minute. The lad could barely celebrate he was so knackered.

That goal means he has equalled his tally of 23 from last season and its still only January. What an accomplishment that is. Hope he keeps it up.

[Jazz 16]

Ronnie will be breaking records this year.

He won a load of individual awards last season but this season could see him winning European and World footballer of the Year.

His main rivals kaka and Messi have been short of top form or periodically injured in messi's case.

Ronaldo currently has 25 in all competitions this season and its only January.

Top scorers for United in a season:

-46-Denis Law - (63/64)
-44-Ruud van Nist - (02/03)
-34-Tommy taylor - (56/57)
-32-Dennis Viollet - (59-60)
-32-George Best - (67/68)
-31-Brian McClair - (87/88)
-30-Jack Rowley - (48/49 & 51/52)
-29-Bobby Charlton - (58/59)
-29-Dwight yorke - (98/99)
-25-Eric Cantona - (93/94)
-23-Cristiano Ronaldo - (06/07)
-?-Cristiano Ronaldo - (07/08)

Im pretty certain Ronaldo will hit over 35 goals and have him above Bestie for a winger and 3rd highest in a season ever.

[Jazz 16]

Career: 75 goals in 217 apps.

Goals scored:
2003/04 - 6
2004/05 - 9
2005/06 - 12
2006/07 - 23
2007/08 - 25*

* Up to 29 Jan 2008


Top scorers for United in a season:

-46-Denis Law - (63/64)
-44-Ruud van Nist - (02/03)
-34-Tommy taylor - (56/57)
-32-Dennis Viollet - (59-60)
-32-George Best - (67/68)
-31-Brian McClair - (87/88)
-30-Jack Rowley - (48/49 & 51/52)
-29-Bobby Charlton - (58/59)
-29-Dwight yorke - (98/99)
-25-Eric Cantona - (93/94)
-23-Cristiano Ronaldo - (06/07)
-?-Cristiano Ronaldo - (07/08)


07/08 season Top Scorers so far:
Ronaldo Man Utd 17
Adebayor Arsenal 16
Benjani Portsmouth 12
Keane Tottenham 11
Santa Cruz Blackburn 11
Torres Liverpool 11
Anelka Chelsea 10
Tevez Man Utd 10

[Miss Dangerous]

Cristiano Ronaldo described his sublime free-kick in Manchester United's 2-0 win over Portsmouth on Wednesday as the finest goal of his career.

Ronaldo, 22, struck a spectacular 25-yard free-kick which dipped viciously at the last moment and gave Pompey keeper David James no chance.

Click here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/7219291.stm) to read more and watch an interview with Cristiano and Carlos Queiroz ;)

[CROoney]

Cristiano Ronaldo: I am the best player in the world
February 7, 2008
Kaka might be officially the best player in the world but Cristiano Ronaldo believes that he is the best player in the business. Goal.com quotes the 23-year old Manchester United winger as saying that he is convinced that no player in the last 9 or so months has played better football than he has.

Ronaldo says:

I don’t need to demonstrate that I am the No.1 in the world. ver the nine months of the season the work you do will show who really is the best. If I am named the best in the world, it won’t be a surprise to me. I’m 23 now and I never believed I would find myself in such a privileged position in the world of football, playing at the highest level for a club of United’s standing. But now I am fully prepared for the biggest challenges that lie ahead for me as a player. I want to win everything - the Premier League, the Champions League and Euro 2008, because I am very ambitious.

Ronaldo celebrated his 23rd birthday this Tuesday and the Portuguese international is certainly looking in a healthy condition. The former Sporting Lisbon youngster scored 23 goals in all competitions last season and this time he has already racked up an astounding 27. Yet there has to be some reservations on him the best player in the world. He might well be the best in the Premiership but FC Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and AC Milan’s Kaka are conquering Europe.

[reddwarf]

And yet he is still learning...

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that Portugal were taught a footballing lesson during their defeat to Italy last night, while the Portuguese press has also highlighted the Azzurri superiority.

Italy produced an impressive display at the Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich, as goals from Luca Toni, Fabio Cannavaro and Fabio Quagliarella earned them a deserved 3-1 win.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been in sensational form in the English Premiership this season was one of the disappointments of the night, as he was marked out of the game by the Italian defence.

“It was an important lesson for us all,” said Ronaldo, who only really threatened with two long-range free-kicks.

The Portuguese press were damning in their verdict of their team’s display, and said they were lucky not to lose by a bigger scoreline.

“Only Ricardo Quaresma saved our honour. A poor performance and another defeat against Italy,” printed A Bola.

Portugal have not beaten Italy for 32 years, with their last victory coming way back in 1976 when Euro 84’ hero Nene scored twice in a 2-1 success.

“Italy exposed Portugal’s fragility,” Record said.

“The world champions gave a lesson in maturity to Scolari’s side. With less possession they dominated, scored three times and missed other chances.”

There is still some question regarding Ronaldo's big game mentality. I know he has scored 3 goals v Arsenal, played well in the Champions League quarter-final against Roma and played well for Portugal in the latter stages of the World Cup.

However, he has repeatedly struggled when up against Ashley Cole, hasn't really performed well against Liverpool or Chelsea and (like the rest of the team) went missing in the Champions League semi-final and FA Cup Final last season.

This isn't a dig at Ronaldo - just a reminder that he is still a young player and has room for improvement as he matures, which is, frankly, an exciting and frightening (for the opposition!) thought.

[Jazz 16]

Its just a few bits and bobs and updates on the man of the moment. Not quite sure where Im going with this but bear with me please.

Career: 77 goals in 219 apps. *up to 6th Feb 2008

Goals scored:
2003/04 - 6
2004/05 - 9
2005/06 - 12
2006/07 - 23
2007/08 - 27*

* Up to 6th Feb 2008


Top scorers for United in a season:

-46-Denis Law - (63/64)
-44-Ruud van Nist - (02/03)
-34-Tommy taylor - (56/57)
-32-Dennis Viollet - (59-60)
-32-George Best - (67/68)
-31-Brian McClair - (87/88)
-30-Jack Rowley - (48/49 & 51/52)
-29-Bobby Charlton - (58/59)
-29-Dwight yorke - (98/99)
-27-Cristiano Ronaldo - (07/08) *up to 6th Feb 2008
-25-Eric Cantona - (93/94)
-23-Cristiano Ronaldo - (06/07)

Top scorers this season up to 6th Feb
Ronaldo Man Utd 19
Adebayor Arsenal 18
Benjani Portsmouth 12
Torres Liverpool 12
Anelka Chelsea 11
Keane Tottenham 11
Santa Cruz Blackburn 11
Tevez Man Utd 11

As you can see he has scored more goals in a season than Cantona and is quickly closing in on the likes of Yorke, Charlton and Georgie Best.
Platini has recently scoffed at suggestions that Ronaldo is the best player in the world.
To some extent I agree with him, though on CURRENT form there is no one better in the world.
Kaka won World player of the year because of his all round performances, especially in the big games, when it counted the most.

I have no doubt in my mind that Ronaldo will one day be THE best in the world and hopefully become an Old Trafford Legend.
There has been talk of comparisons to Georgie Best recently so Ill add a few of the stats I found.
Their head to heads are remarkably similar to some degree, except when it comes to the big games.

Professional debuts-both 17
First goal-both 17
International debut-best 17yrs 11 months, Ronnie-18 yrs 6 months.
First int goal-Best 18 and Ronnie 19.
English player of the year both 22.
European player of the year. Best-22yrs, Ronnie-still trying.

This for me is the main difference between a legend(Best) and hopefully a legend in the making(Ronaldo):
Ronaldo's record vs the top 4:
vs Chelsea-played 9 goals 0
vs Liverpool-played 7 goals 0
vs Arsenal-played 10 goals 3
Total played 26 goals 3

George Best excelled on the big stage.
When United won in Europe in 1968 Best scored in the semi against the mighty Madrid and AGAIN in the final against Benfica.
Best had already defined his iconic status with 2 goals and a virtuoso performance in the away leg of the quarter final against Benfica in 65/66. This game essentially gave him the nickname of the fifth beatle.

Best was the greatest and did it when it counted in all the big games.
I feel Ronaldo can reach his level and in the last 18 months HAS shown incredible form but until he does it against the best teams and best defenders he cant be considered the greatest on earth.

[United_OG]

if you stop ronaldo playing it will naturally make a big difference. If you stop any of the best players in their respective teams it makes a big difference. Ronaldo always has 2 ppl plus another one or two players coming to him as soon as he gets the ball, no other player in the PL gets that type of attention. So naturally he will have quiet games.

All the best players in the world have bad games and are stopped from time to time.

[Jazz 16]

Well he scored his 30th goal of the season and we have just hit March.
That is the most remarkable of scoring record. How does he do it?
At least he got the goal tonight because otherwise he was VERY poor.

Ronaldo has now scored more goals in a season than Bobby Charlton
and Yorkie , who both had 29 in a season.
Now equal with Jack Rowley and just 2 behind the record for a winger:
Georgie Best's magical 32 goals.

[versa]

Source: ManUtd.com


United legend Paddy Crerand hailed Cristiano Ronaldo after his 30th goal of the season ensured United's place in the Champions League quarter-finals.

The winger struck his 30th goal in as many games against Lyon on Tuesday night and it was enough to secure a 2-1 aggregate victory for the Reds.

Ronaldo is now within two goals of George Best's record and Crerand is backing the 23-year-old to keep up his remarkable scoring trend.

"It’s an incredible feat for any player, let alone a winger, to score 30 goals in a season," Paddy told ManUtd.com.

"You’d be delighted as a striker to hit that amount of goals, so for Ronaldo to do it is fantastic.

"The amazing thing is he isn’t finished yet, there’s a lot more to come from him.

The Reds winger is not only prolific, his goals also tend to come at crucial times, which makes him even more a prized asset going into the final stages of the campaign.

Crerand added: "He’s popped up with important goals at important times and I'm sure he'll continue to do that between now and the end of the season."

Ronaldo hits 30
Sporting Lisbon 0-1 United (1)
Birmingham 0-1 United (1)
United 4-0 Wigan (2)
Dynamo Kiev 2-4 United (2)
Arsenal 2-2 United (1)
United 4-0 Dynamo Kiev (1)
United 2-0 Blackburn (2)
United 2-1 Sporting Lisbon (1)
United 2-0 Fulham (2)
United 4-1 Derby (1)
United 2-1 Everton (2)
Sunderland 0-4 United (1)
West Ham 2-1 United (1)
Aston Villa 0-2 United (1)
United 6-0 Newcastle (3)
Reading 0-2 United (1)
United 3-1 Tottenham (2)
United 2-0 Portsmouth (2)
Newcastle 1-5 United (2)
United 1-0 Lyon (1)

[Jazz 16]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnVFynsPjek

This is pretty cool. I want to know who the cameraman's assistant is....
Sign him up now lol. Some great tricks here.

Check out the trick on 1:36. It defies belief and its not Ronnie lol

[Jazz 16]

Games Played: 229
Goals Scored: 85

Goals scored:

2003/04 - 6
2004/05 - 9
2005/06 - 12
2006/07 - 23
2007/08 - 35*

* Up to 29th March 2008

Top scorer this season:

Ronaldo Man Utd 25
Torres Liverpool 20
Adebayor Arsenal 19
Keane Tottenham 14
Berbatov Tottenham 13



Top scorers for United in a season:

-46-Denis Law - (63/64)
-44-Ruud van Nist - (02/03)
-39-Denis Law - (64/65)
-36-Ruud van Nist- (01/02)
-35-Cristiano Ronaldo - (07/08) *up to 29th March 2008
-34-Tommy Taylor - (56/57)
-33-Liam Whelan -
-33-David Herd - (65/66)
-32-Dennis Viollet - (59-60)
-32-George Best - (67/68)
-31-Brian McClair - (87/88)
-30-Jack Rowley - (48/49 & 51/52)
-29-Bobby Charlton - (58/59)
-29-Dwight yorke - (98/99)
-25-Eric Cantona - (93/94)



Ronaldo has finally passed George Best's record for a midfielder.
He has also just passed the famous Tommy Taylor, from the
Busby Babe era. Once he has passed that, he can look at Ruud's record ;)

Ronaldo is now the 23rd most prolific scorer in Manchester United's history.
He has just overtaken Cantona who had 82 goals and is closing in on
Beckham who has 85 to his name.

edit:he has just equalled Beckhams total of 85

[United_OG]

whether he is the best player in the world or not, he is by far our best and most complete player. He was one of the best three players in the world last season and this season he has played better than anyone in the world.

There seems to be loads of rooney bias on this site and sometimes i get the feeling people on here do not want ronaldo to be the best player in the world or something but really, he has been the difference for us this season so many times i find it difficult to believe people still doubt him. Infact it makes me laugh. Even if he doesnt have a good game on sunday he is so consistant and when on top of his game he is more often than not the difference. Brilliant and most complete player at united.

Pleasure to have watched him at old trafford and i hope he continues to entertain and delight fans and the world for many years to come

[Red Devil]

And Cristiano Ronaldo goes into the history books as the most prolific scoring winger, taking over George Best's record with 2 goals against Bolton to taker his current tally to 33 this season.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/elbmek/ronnie.jpg

[red_devils4life]

Daily Mail Jamie Redknapp
20:58pm 27th December 2007

http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/columnists/jamie_redknapp.jpg

Can you believe that one of Christiano Ronaldo's Manchester United team-mates wanted to take that free-kick at Sunderland? It was a short debate.

"No, leave it to me. Watch this . . . top corner," he replied. And that's where it ended up.
It is pure theatre watching Ronaldo. He is on top of his game, oozing confidence and when he prepares to take a free-kick, there is a buzz of expectation around the stadium — you can just see the fear in the opposition defenders and goalkeeper.
They know what's coming, what they don't know is how to stop it.
When Ronaldo prepares to strike for goal, he stands back — a bit like Jonny Wilkinson preparing to take aim from a rugby penalty. He opens his legs, rocks from side to side as he shifts his weight and focuses on the target.
Then he clumps the ball, whacks the plastic off it, punts it, stuns it with force and power and control and aim. The end result, more often than not, is another spectacular goal.
How does he do it? When he strikes the ball, he runs straight and also connects with the front of his foot, uses his laces and gets the ball to dip and whip. And he's mastered the art, too.

http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/12_04/110goal_468x305.jpg

Try it yourself and you'll see how difficult it is. I heard that he used to strike the valve, which compresses the ball and makes it move and swerve as it changes shape in the air.
I'm not sure if he has the same technique now, we'll have to watch and see. I hear that he might just have modified his method to better the end result.
Craig Gordon couldn't tell you how it happens. The Sunderland goalkeeper barely saw the ball, such was the speed and the movement as the shot flashed past him on the way to Manchester United's 4-0 win and a place back at the top of the Barclays Premier League.
Let's not forget the accuracy, too.
Ronaldo put the ball exactly where he meant to and, as someone who liked taking free-kicks, I can tell you that's not always so easy; I saw plenty sailing over the bar.
Ronaldo will practise that skill every day after training, possibly for half an hour, hitting 30 or 40 shots. Like an outstanding golfer, repetition will be the key.
When I took a free-kick, I would try to hit the ball cleanly and put my foot through it. I couldn't take them like Ronaldo, but the ball has changed now. It's easier to deceive the goalkeeper. That's my excuse anyway.
I remember scoring an important free-kick against Blackburn on the last day of the season for Liverpool at Anfield. We won the game, but they won the title.
David Beckham was the standard bearer, but his technique was different from the current Manchester United No 7's.
Beckham would approach a ball from the side and then wrap his foot around to curl the ball with pace and bend. We all remember his last minute goal for England against Greece at Old Trafford. In club games when he was taking aim, you would always think: 'Oh no . . .'
Gianfranco Zola had a great talent for getting the ball up and over the defensive wall quickly and then back down as the ball spun and gathered pace on its way towards the goal. He didn't have the same power as Ronaldo, although he carried similar menace.
Ruud Gullit was another former Chelsea player who would make you regret conceding the free-kick. He was a great technician with the ball, you would instantly dread the outcome and stand there expecting trouble.
Another favourite of mine, a brilliant free-kick taker, was my former Liverpool team-mate Gary McAllister, who could also take a fantastic corner. He would stroke the ball, hit it in a delicate way and float his shot away from the goalkeeper. Accuracy, more than power, was his weapon.

http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/12_04/110ronaldo_468x457.jpg

Having a dead-ball specialist carries such a threat in the modern game. The Manchester United versus Liverpool game and the Arsenal versus Chelsea game were both decided by goals from set plays.
Every team needs one specialist and United have the best.
Didier Drogba smashes the ball for Chelsea and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard can also finish from long range and has scored some spectacular goals himself.
He, too, is different from Ronaldo and likes the ball slipped to the side to give him the angle as he runs on to a moving ball.
Ronaldo had a slow start to this season. He was sent off at Portsmouth, it took him until the end of September before he scored his first League goal and he didn't come flying out of the blocks.
I had him in my Fantasy League team and after three or four games, I thought I'd made a mistake.
Now he is the top scorer in the top flight, he has scored 17 goals in all competitions and is on course to beat last season's haul of 25 goals. Looking at the records for last season, he is already five ahead.
On current form, the Footballer of the Year is again the best player in the country. Don't simply take my word for it, look at the records. In his last 13 games he has scored 15 goals.
The next time they win a free-kick in the danger area, it might be wise for his United team-mates simply to let him have the ball.

[Jazz 16]

I think rd4l said it all in the first article you posted.
Interesting to know that Ronaldo wear smaller boots than
his size 9 feet. No wonder he changes his boots often
during a game. I used to hate when Ronnie stepped up for a
free kick. He used to smash them in the wall or the stands.
But now he has become as effective as Beckham.

Ronaldo's free kicks this season:
vs Sunderland
vs Portsmouth
vs Newcastle
vs Bolton
vs Sporting

last season he got the one vs European XI
and one against Portsmouth.
In his 1st season he got one against Pompey.
I make that 8 goals he has scored from fk's.
Anyone remember any more?

[HansDavid]

Ronaldo....

Jesus, I knew he was something special when we first signed him, but I never thought for a moment that he was "that" special before...

Now I realize that this kid is on another level. This guy is a legitimate legend for our club now. 33 goals in a season ? For a winger ? In modern football ? Jesus, that was freakish, this kid is ilegal to have cos' he is that (deleted) good, it's not even fair anymore...

I remember all the rants when we signed him that we should've gone for Ronaldinho.... Damn... how he prove everybody and every single pundits who bashed him on his step over, free styling antics wrong...

All hail Cristiano Ronaldo, should've called him Christ Ronaldo... (deleted)...

[Keano4taoiseach]

I'm just throwing this out there but we all know, rather we are told often enough!!!, that Ronaldo rarely performs against the big teams or in the big games which is fairly correct.
He plays out on the wing and is man-marked usually by all around him, there is always at least two opposition players on top of him when he receives the ball. Now it is very hard for him to do much out on the wing, fifty yards from goals with two players tackling him.

So, why not play Ronaldo as the target man upfront in big games. If he were upfront on his own with Rooney playing in the hole just behind, it would definitely take pressure of the midfield and back four as all defences would first of all be very weary of Ronny and second of all he would be everywhere.

He is tall, built like a horse and possesses amazing speed, not to mention his dribbling abilities and his finishing abilities.

We often see Ronaldo go missing in Europe against defensive teams, e.g. Milan last season and Lyon to an extent this season.
Also, against Arsenal, he is always man-marked.

So, Ronaldo as the target man upfront and Rooney in the hole with perhaps Park on the right to swing in balls which Ronaldo could compete for.
He is proven in the air and has scored countless headers for United already.

What do you guys think?

[-zuco-]

I wrote this for the newsroom but thought I'd post it here to see if you all agree :o

The media have been eager to report recently that goalscoring
machine Cristiano Ronaldo is not a big game player. They say
he only scores against the weaker teams and goes missing
against the better teams.

What they seem to forget is the fact that he has scored in an
FA Cup final, League Cup final, Champions League quarter final
and semi final, as well as scoring against Arsenal and Liverpool
this season.

They also don't mention that if he can manage to score in the
upcoming games against Chelsea and Middlesbrough, he will
have scored against EVERY Premiership team this season.

The Daily Mail took great pleasure last week in reporting that
Ronaldo had ONLY scored one goal past Arsenal, despite United
putting six past them in two games. It seems they failed to do
their research properly because Ronaldo wasn't even on the
bench for the FA Cup game in which United beat the Gunners
4-0, making it physically impossible to score. I'd say one goal
in one game against the London club is a very good record!

When are we going to see articles in newspapers like the Daily
Mail that are free from bias, properly researched and containing
a modicum of journalistic integrity, written by people who know
a thing or two about football? Don't hold your breath!!

[sparkic]

I think people confuse Ronaldo for Torres...he is the so called best striker in the world but cant score vs a top world class team/defence..and no ben haim vs chelsea is not a world class defence...he is a joke and should wear a liverpool jersey! Torres is only world class and the best vs your boro's and your west hams and when up against united he goes into rio's pocket lmao

Ronaldo does show up for big games...I would like to remind everyone of the Euro 04 where he playd excellently in all games...european championships are all big games...and the world cup too! And most of the time he is double man marked and what can someone do when he is in that position? Ronaldo has done excellently imo and is the best player in the world at the moment!

[Keano4taoiseach]

The Daily Mail took great pleasure last week in reporting that
Ronaldo had ONLY scored one goal past Arsenal, despite United
putting six past them in two games. It seems they failed to do
their research properly because Ronaldo wasn't even on the
bench for the FA Cup game in which United beat the Gunners
4-0, making it physically impossible to score. I'd say one goal
in one game against the London club is a very good record!

Good point zucoldo...

However, it isn't only some of the 'biased' tabloids saying he doesn't perform in the big games, many respected sports journalists are saying the same.

Also, I believe there is a difference between scoring 'a goal' in a game and 'performing' in a game.

Ronaldo rarely has even near the same effect in the run of play in big games compered to against weaker teams. Often he finds himself marked out of games and unable to perform his trademark tricks.

But, because he is the player he is, and because our 'team' create so many chances in a game, he usually contributes a goal like against Liverpool at the weekend.

However, I ask you this.

Do you not think any other top player in the world would score a goal in a game against Liverpool where we (United the attacking team) create numerous chances.

And, would they perhaps have more impact on the game, e.g. Messi.

That is the question we should be asking hear. Ronaldo was 'poor' by his standards on Sunday and I believe we are not exploiting his talent in the big games as he is being marked out of games by man-markers out on the wing.

[versa]

Source: Goal.com


Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that some of Cristiano Ronaldo's play this season reminds of the way George Best operated in his prime at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils' manager was reflecting on the Portuguese star's incredible season as he continues to score goals at will and earn all the plaudits.

Ronaldo has already re-written the record books as he beat Best's tally of goals for a winger at United when scoring his 33rd of the campaign against Bolton recently.

“There are certainly similarities , “ Ferguson told Manchester United Radio.

“When George played as a winger I don’t think he ever stayed still. He roamed from side to side – he played on the right, the left and through the middle.

“I’ve looked at Best’s goals and a lot of Cristiano’s are similar. He starts from wide positions before cutting inside. The boy’s in tremendous form right now."

Ronaldo is still some way off overhauling the United club record for goals scored in a season, an amount that still belongs to Denis Law after he scored 46 times in the 1963-64 season.

“[B]Denis was a fantastic player – he was my hero – but I didn’t know that,” Sir Alex said. “That even beats my record! I scored 45 in 51 games for Dunfermline back in 1965/66," Ferguson concluded.


P.S.:eek: Maybe he can just guide Rooney a bit?:D ;)

[stretty]

I think we will be very lucky to keep him for his best years , not that barca or real are any better than us , he must see they are in decline.
I think most europeans dream of playing for real or barca , and when they come knocking european players rarely refuse , just hope ronaldo does.
I do not think he will get hero worship anywhere else better than old trafford

[United_OG]

he already is a united legend. Its not just about age, its about what one achieves during the time they spend at a club. Ronaldo has been with us since he was 18, he is now 23 and last season was voted both young and best player of the year in the PL...the first since Andy Gray i believe. This season he beat goerge bests goal tally and he has the best goals scoring figures for a midfield player ever in the PL. When he leaves whether thats tomorrow or whenever, he will always go down as being a united legend. True story.

By the way about whether he ever does choose to join barca or madrid. That would not be a "greedy" chioce about money. For most players in europe they are the elite clubs along with milan in the world. Real Madrid is still the biggest club in the world so for them thats nothing about money, its about pride and honour. I hope he stays with us but thats something that only he can decide in the end. True story part 2,lol.

pz

[Jazz 16]

Agreed he just keeps going from strength to strength.
His goal today was an audacious flick, stunning to watch.
That was his 35th goal of the season, which is astonishing.
3 assists today were the icing on the cake. he ran the show,
and even the assists were pure quality.

He has now scored the same amount of goals (85) as Beckham did.

[Jazz 16]

Ronaldo goal rate vs Shearer's


For those who didn't watch MOTD yesterday, they were talking to Shearer about
goals per game ratios in the league. They compared his with Ronaldo's,
and it just emphasizes the scale of Ronnie's achievement.

In the 42 game season of 94/95, Shearer got 34 goals, at a rate of .809 per game.
In the 38 game season of 95/96, he got 31, at a rate of .815 per game.

After 32 games, Ronaldo has 26 goals, a rate of .812 per game.

That's pretty incredible, when you consider Shearer is the all-time leading goalscorer
in the Premiership. For Ronaldo to be that close to his goals per game ratio
(obviously just based on this season) is amazing.

[carlyluvsunited]

Just when we thought that Cristiano
Ronaldo couldn't impress us any more
this season, he scores a goal of such
exquisite touch and invention that it
will be talked about for years to come
at Old Trafford.

Ronny opened the scoring with an
impudent back heel flick that nutmegged
Villa's Laursen inside the six yard box.
You can watch the goal here and let us
know if it's the best goal scored in the
Premier League this season...




YvUfBFmbHes

[RedForceRising]

I found this articly and thought you might find it interesting reading.
It points out that Ronaldo can seize the platform of the Champions League to propell himself to greatness at the same time arguing that the accusations that he is not a big-game player are unfounded. (I happen to disagree with this, but there are good arguments in this article.

Out of priniciple, I will not state where I got this from and will not credit the writer.

IT was a slip of the tongue, no more, but when Alex Ferguson said that Cristiano Ronaldo was so talented that he was capable of winning the Palme d'Or, suddenly it all made sense. Here was a player in such spectacular form that he was going to bypass the mundane awards that are handed to football players and go straight for first prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

He meant the Ballon d'Or, surely, but as the Manchester United manager once claimed that Roy Keane was so inspirational that he could lead his team to the Boat Race and the Grand National as well as the league championship, maybe he meant it.

Speculation about what Ronaldo can achieve as an individual has increased as his performances in the Premier League have drawn legitimate comparisons with George Best.

These in turn attract rebuttals from men of a certain age, who guard claims to Best's crown with a ferocity that borders on truculence. Until United lift a European Cup with Ronaldo in El Beatle form, nothing will be good enough, which seems harsh considering the Portugal winger has scored 35 goals for his club this season.

Amazingly, in the circumstances, the jury is out on the player, with the sceptics citing lame performances away to AC Milan in the Champions League and in the FA Cup Final against Chelsea last season as evidence that he is not a player for the big occasion. That could be about to change. If nothing Ronaldo has done in the Premier League is regarded as worthy -- and this seems a severe attitude, considering the physical demands of the English game -- he has five Champions League matches left this season to prove beyond argument that he is the real thing, starting in Rome this evening and, with luck, ending in the final in Moscow on May 21.

It was the head-to-head in Milan that helped to seal the individual prizes for Kaka last season. As influential in the San Siro as Ronaldo was anonymous, he mopped up the titles of World Player and European Footballer of the Year and understandably so. This season, Ronaldo only needs his defining moment, the performance that will underline his brilliance and confirm the value of what the English public has been witnessing all season.

If Ferguson did not seem affronted by the suggestion that Ronaldo has some distance to travel before his talent is recognised worldwide -- and the Italians require some convincing after the damp squib in Milan -- this is probably because he is aware of the powerful weapon that is a talented player with a point to prove.

Announce that Ronaldo does not have to dominate in Europe to attain greatness and he could lose motivation. So, while endorsing his player completely, Ferguson cleverly left the door open just enough to deliver a challenging reminder of how Ronaldo could silence the cynical beyond retort.

"As for the Palme d'Or," Ferguson said, meaning Ballon d'Or, awarded to the European Footballer of the Year, "I think Cristiano will have a big chance of winning it, but we will have to get to the Champions League final because if we do it will enhance his opportunity. He hasn't had as much European football as a lot of the top players and I think his age, 23, is one aspect of why he has not got there yet.

"I think he has matured, though, and in two or three years' time the questions about his performances in big matches will not be asked.

"We see development in every department of his game in domestic football and he will eventually show his attributes in Europe. Basically, the more he plays, the more he will display those qualities. I have absolutely no fears about that. I am delighted to be bringing this player to Rome, with his incredible improvement and his goalscoring performances. It is a big advantage for us."

The idea that Ronaldo has never performed when the pressure is at its most intense does not stack up anyway. In this Champions League season he has scored six goals in seven matches. He was one of the stars of the European Championships in 2004 and guided his country to the 2006 World Cup semi-finals in Germany.

Portugal have made it to Euro 2008, too, with Ronaldo scoring eight times in that campaign. Most significantly, he has refined the style of the modern Manchester United, becoming as important as Eric Cantona was. It is his performances in the past two seasons that have taken this United team to the brink of greatness.

Ronaldo's genius is his uniqueness, not only the audacious back-heel that opened the scoring against Aston Villa on Saturday, but his free kicks, struck in an individual way, that cannot be imitated or bettered.

It seems strange that confirmation of this ability should depend on the odd 90 minutes of football, rather than the weeks and months in which he has been shown to be the best, but just as Colin Montgomerie needed his major and Tim Henman his Grand Slam to be elevated to the elite, so Ronaldo needs a starring role in Europe. Time is on his side, however. He will get it one day; perhaps sooner than many think. (© The Times, London)

- Martin Samuel

As you can see, I was just kidding about not crediting the writer.
he is Martin Samuel, this article is copy right of the London times and I read it on www.independent.ie. I then transfered it to this forum via my IBM laptop. :D

Peace!

[CROoney]

Paul Scholes feels that Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player he has ever had the pleasure of working with.



The announcement is a remarkable tribute to the Portuguese winger's talents, as former England international Scholes has played alongside some of the greats of the game during a glittering 14-year career.


Some of his domestic team-mates over that period include the likes of Eric Cantona, Roy Keane and David Beckham, while on an international level he has rubbed shoulders with Paul Gascoigne, Alan Shearer and Michael Owen.


Scholes accepts that he has been fortunate to have featured alongside a host of stars in his time, but rates Ronaldo as the pick of the bunch in terms of pure ability.



Amazing


"I have been lucky to have played with a lot of great players," he said.


"Cristiano has to be at the top now, after what he has done this season.


"Scoring the amount of goals from his position has been nothing short of amazing.


"It is not just that though, it is the way he makes chances and the threat he poses to other teams."


Ronaldo has not just set the Premier League alight this season though, he has also notched six goals in seven UEFA Champions League games.


With a tough trip to Roma facing the Red Devils on Tuesday, Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping for more magic from his young goal-machine in the quarter-final encounter.


"You have to remember Cristiano has only just turned 23," said the United boss.


"We have seen a development in every part of his game in domestic football.


"That's why we are delighted to bring a player back to Rome who has made an incredible improvement in the last year.


"Cristiano's goal scoring performances have been a big advantage to us as we all know."

WHY DIDN'T ANYONE LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS ??? This is a huge thing

[versa]

Yet another thread on Ronaldo!! But before you cringe or curse, this thread is indeed something quite different. It may be a big concern because it happened yet again. Read on....

Source: Teamtalk.com

Pizarro slams 'big head' Ronaldo

Roma midfielder David Pizarro has lashed out at Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo, labelling the winger a "big head".

Pizarro accused Ronaldo of showing arrogance and a lack of respect towards his opponents in United's 2-0 Champions League quarter-final first-leg win in the Eternal City on Tuesday night.

Ronaldo, who scored the opener with a stunning header and almost made it 3-0 when he hit the bar, was booed by the home crowd for teasing opposing defenders with his tricks on the pitch.

"Despite the fact that he is a great champion, he is very arrogant," said Pizarro. "He does certain spiteful things on the pitch.

"This is the ugliest thing for a player.

"Some of his little tricks in the middle of the pitch were unnecessary and he needs to show some respect to his opposition. In the return leg, I will have something to say to him."

Portugal star Ronaldo defended his actions after helping his team put one foot in the semi-finals.

"It's nothing against my rivals," said the 23-year-old. "Those plays are just part of my way of interpreting football.

"I have always done them, even three or four years ago when I was younger.

"But there are plays that I do for the good of the team and never to ridicule my opponents.

"I tried to do the best for Manchester United and not to make a show.

"It's just a part of who I am."

Ronaldo believes Roma have improved since last year - when United eliminated the Giallorossi with a humiliating 7-1 defeat at Old Trafford at the same stage of the competition - but insists United have also also grown stronger in the last 12 months.

"I don't think we can talk about a Roma weakness but rather about the strength of Manchester United," he said.

"Last season we didn't know Roma but this time, we have been perfect in defence."

Despite his team having taken a giant step towards the last four, Ronaldo prefers to remain cautious.

"It would be bad to think we have done the job," he warned. "We have next week's game and although a win away from home gives us confidence, we still have to seal qualification."



It is widely acknowledged by fans worldwide that Ronaldo could well be the best player in the world soon with his current form, if not, at least amongst the top 3, in close competition with Kaka of AC Milan and Messi of Barcelona.

His silky ball skills, dribbling, free kicks, phenomenal scoring record as a non-striker this season, overall performance and impact to team etc have been most exquisite and top draw.

Yet we all know opponents have sometimes complained bitterly about his apparent arrogance and lack of respect for them, mainly through certain extravagant stepovers, ball juggling and alike or what the media coined as "showboating".
Some merely complained loudly thereafter but others may just 'react violently' in the heat of the moment or even harbour secret 'ambition' to seriously hurt him should bad blood develop into a personal grudge. [Hope not.]

What do you think? Does Ronaldo sometimes perhaps have overdone things a liitle? Will he land himself in big trouble or serious injury if he does not curb some extravagant displays that opponents may just not take too kindly to?

[Jazz 16]

Its more his petulance, 'diving' and theatrics(arms in air, pulling a 'who me?' face)
that gets to me. I dont really have a problem with his stepovers and tricks etc.
I think it adds to the excitement of the game. I think it will land Ronnie is some
trouble or other but when and what that is remains to be seen.
Its clear that he is as much loved as he is hated by the neutral and he does
have certain aspects to his game that he could improve upon for him to be the
undisputed, most respected and feared footballers ever.
Its obvious that most United fans prefer characters like Rooney for eg, rather
than Ronnie. but if he keeps scoring 30+ a season who gives a rats?

[Jazz 16]

Ronaldo is officially untouchable. 36 goals this season.
Its just getting ridiculous at this stage.
And after his lovely flick against Villa he follows it up with
this soaring, bullet of a header in a 'Big game'.
This kis just gets better and better.

http://inlinethumb63.webshots.com/19838/2995534780103265676S500x500Q85.jpg

Look how high he is off the ground. im speechless....

[red_devils4life]

Source: Goal.com

http://cristianoronaldo101.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/12/cristiano-ronaldo-0003.jpg

After another match-winning contribution at Rome's Stadio Olimpico raised his stock still higher, Cristiano Ronaldo's credentials as the world's best player are getting harder and harder to ignore.

Indeed, by his performances throughout this season, Ronaldo has effectively made a mockery of last December's Fifa World Player of the Year awards, which placed him third behind winner Kaka and runner-up Lionel Messi. For the priceless combination of compelling entertainment and match-winning end-product, the Manchester United winger has had no equal for some time - certainly not Kaka this season. The Brazilian who also pipped Ronaldo to the title of European Footballer of the Year 2007 (Ballon d'Or) has been put firmly in the shade by the continuing exploits of Ronaldo.

Why then, do the Portuguese star's critics continue to resist the evidence of their own eyes, and the remarkable statistics? Why does a player like Kaka attract fulsome praise almost unconditionally, while the plaudits for Ronaldo are so often grudgingly given?

I'm no great fan of player awards, still less of often spurious comparisons between players, especially those in different leagues or from different eras. I'm also far from being a fan of Manchester United or anything about them. But jealousy, envy or sheer prejudice are no criteria for judgement, and if we are going to judge Ronaldo as a footballer, it is impossible to refute the facts.

For his consistency over two seasons, the first of them beginning in the wake of the apparent low-point of his infamous wink at the 2006 World Cup, Ronaldo takes some beating.

Furthermore, on the domestic front, his goals have essentially been the difference between Manchester United and the other members of the Premier League's 'Big Four'.

He's now scored 59 goals for Manchester United in all competitions during the course of the last two campaigns. In the current one, which still has plenty of life left in it, Ronaldo already has 36 to his name - an astonishing return for a winger.

And of course the bald statistics do not tell you anything about the quality of his goals, which in many cases recently has been breathtaking.

Why then the continued negativity towards him?

There seem to be four sticks with which critics like to beat Ronaldo. The first - that he plays for Manchester United - can be dismissed summarily. United have millions of fans but millions more detractors; that's the nature of football. Refusing to acknowledge their quality - and the calibre of their top players - because of simple jealousy is plainly irrational.

The second stick is that Ronaldo is an arrogant show-boater, a luxury player whose self-indulgent tricks on the ball not only detract from the team but deliberately antagonise opponents by seeking to expose their technical weaknesses.

Roma midfielder David Pizarro was quick to wield this particular stick after United's victory over Roma last night, amazingly accusing Ronaldo of doing "certain spiteful things on the pitch." Like beating his marker with superior skill?

Ronaldo himself answered the charge by insisting his trademark step-overs and other sleight-of-foot tricks are, "nothing against my rivals." He explained: "Those plays are just part of my way of interpreting football. I have always done them, even three or four years ago when I was younger. But there are plays that I do for the good of the team and never to ridicule my opponents. I tried to do the best for Manchester United and not to make a show. It's just a part of who I am."

Personally I am saddened when highly skilled players feel obliged to apologise for their superior techical gifts. There was the case recently, for example, when Ronaldo's team-mate and compatriot Nani was pilloried for having the temerity to juggle the ball against Arsenal. That was wrongly construed as disrespect, but it's surely bizarre that in a game that professes to be entertainment, the entertainers are lambasted for being entertaining.

As for the charge that Ronaldo is not a team player, that is sheer nonsense. For one thing, the statistics show that while he has amassed 86 goals for United since joining them in 2003, he has also contributed 42 assists. Selfish? Hardly. For another, his work-rate is prodigious, with crosses, assists, chasing back and defending as much a part of all-round game now as the mazy runs and the flow of goals.

Then there is the third stick: that Ronaldo is a diver. Only he will know whether every time he has gone to ground it was in response to genuine contact, but certainly that side of his game has improved significantly, and of course anyone playing the game at the speed he does is not only a target for a late tackle, but also more likely to tumble when clipped. It's as much to do with physics and physique as psychology.

The associated criticism, that he lacks bravery, was surely conclusively answered in Rome when he leaped to head that opening goal, injuring himself in the process but showing only raw determination to get to the ball no matter what.

The fourth stick that Ronaldo has often been beaten with is that he is not a big-game player. This hoary old chestnut gained enthusiastic currency when he failed to make much impact at the San Siro last season in the Champions League semi-final against Milan. That tie also helped push Kaka's claims ahead of Ronaldo's.

But since then, Ronaldo has consistently delivered when it mattered, up to and including last night. Indeed, he has answered his critics emphatically since then, scoring ten in his last 11 appearances in the Champions League, including crucial winning strikes against Sporting Lisbon (twice), Lyon and now Roma. That latest strike made him the current top scorer in this season's tournament.

Meanwhile, Kaka has struggled to deliver this season, not only in Serie A where Milan have endured a difficult time, but also in the Champions League. In the two games against Arsenal, the Brazilian star was effectively eclipsed, or at least marginalised, by the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Mathieu Flamini.

In contrast, Ronaldo has consistently stood up to be counted - and then delivered - whenever United have needed him to this season.

Like him or loathe him, right now there is not a better player in the world than Cristiano Ronaldo. So perhaps it's time to throw our hands up and admit it. And perhaps it's time for the polls outside of England to reflect it.

[red_devils4life]

Source: Goal.com

One of the people who were impressed by Cristiano Ronaldo's elusive performance yesterday against AS Roma was former World Cup winning coach, Marcello Lippi, who admitted that he has changed his opinion about the player.

After yesterday night's Uefa Champions League match between Manchester United and AS Roma at the Stadium Olimpico of Rome, many Italian football followers were left very impressed by Cristiano Ronaldo's performance. One of those who changed their opinion of the Portuguese star was currently unemployed coach Marcello Lippi.

"I must admit I didn't like him very much before," Lippi said, "I didn't like all those fancy moves, the way he played around with the ball, I had the impression that this irritated and offended his opponents. Apparently I was wrong."

Not that wrong, as it turned out. Ronaldo's attitude did leave a bad feeling among several Roma players, midfielder David Pizarro being the most outspoken about it. But according to Lippi, Ronaldo's style doesn't show a lack of respect.

"I've realised that this is the way he plays, there's no irreverence towards anybody, it's just the way he expresses himself," Lippi concluded.

Asked if he had ever had the chance to sign the player during his coaching days at Juventus, as has been rumoured: "I don't remember ever being offered Cristiano Ronaldo, perhaps my memory isn't that good, but I don't think it's a very substantiated rumour."

[Jazz 16]

Ronaldo's goals in the season 2007/2008 until April 2, 2008:

- 36 goals in 40 matches (26 in the EPL, 7 in the CL and 3 in the FA Cup)
- 1 hat trick (against Newcastle)
- in 9 matches he scored twice (against Wigan, Kiev, Blackburn, Fulham, Everton, Tottenham, Portsmouth, Newcastle and Bolton)
Not too shabby for a winger. :p

[marty davidson]

Sir Alex Ferguson insists that Cristiano Ronaldo will never be scared to play his game.

Ronaldo's stunning form over the last few seasons has seen him targeted by a number of players who take exemption to his wonderful skills.

After another scintillating display in midweek against Roma in United's UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg win - Ronaldo was branded as disrespectful by the Italians.

But Ferguson is unfazed and is insisting his star-man will continue to play his own game and he does not need to be afraid of anyone.

"The most important message Cristiano is giving out is that he is a great player who is not afraid to take the ball and beat a man," said Ferguson.

"That is what he is saying in whatever fashion he does it. He has ability and expression in his play and we encourage that with all the players.



"In this modern day it's a breath of fresh air and he will not be afraid to do it.

"That is what people pay to see. Perhaps it annoys opponents he is prepared to take the ball to them."

Ferguson, who has previously called on Ronaldo to be looked after by referees, does not see how anyone could kick him out of any game.

"Ronaldo is a winner. They cannot kick him out of the game," he said.

"He will always get up and carry on playing.

"It will not worry him if Roma come looking for him in the second leg."

[CROoney]

Great Ronaldo article !

Indeed, by his performances throughout this season, Ronaldo has effectively made a mockery of last December's Fifa World Player of the Year awards, which placed him third behind winner Kaka and runner-up Lionel Messi. For the priceless combination of compelling entertainment and match-winning end-product, the Manchester United winger has had no equal for some time - certainly not Kaka this season. The Brazilian who also pipped Ronaldo to the title of European Footballer of the Year 2007 (Ballon d'Or) has been put firmly in the shade by the continuing exploits of Ronaldo.

Why then, do the Portuguese star's critics continue to resist the evidence of their own eyes, and the remarkable statistics? Why does a player like Kaka attract fulsome praise almost unconditionally, while the plaudits for Ronaldo are so often grudgingly given?

I'm no great fan of player awards, still less of often spurious comparisons between players, especially those in different leagues or from different eras. I'm also far from being a fan of Manchester United or anything about them. But jealousy, envy or sheer prejudice are no criteria for judgement, and if we are going to judge Ronaldo as a footballer, it is impossible to refute the facts.

For his consistency over two seasons, the first of them beginning in the wake of the apparent low-point of his infamous wink at the 2006 World Cup, Ronaldo takes some beating.

Furthermore, on the domestic front, his goals have essentially been the difference between Manchester United and the other members of the Premier League's 'Big Four'.

He's now scored 59 goals for Manchester United in all competitions during the course of the last two campaigns. In the current one, which still has plenty of life left in it, Ronaldo already has 36 to his name - an astonishing return for a winger.

And of course the bald statistics do not tell you anything about the quality of his goals, which in many cases recently has been breathtaking.

Why then the continued negativity towards him?

There seem to be four sticks with which critics like to beat Ronaldo. The first - that he plays for Manchester United - can be dismissed summarily. United have millions of fans but millions more detractors; that's the nature of football. Refusing to acknowledge their quality - and the calibre of their top players - because of simple jealousy is plainly irrational.

The second stick is that Ronaldo is an arrogant show-boater, a luxury player whose self-indulgent tricks on the ball not only detract from the team but deliberately antagonise opponents by seeking to expose their technical weaknesses.

Roma midfielder David Pizarro was quick to wield this particular stick after United's victory over Roma last night, amazingly accusing Ronaldo of doing "certain spiteful things on the pitch." Like beating his marker with superior skill?

Ronaldo himself answered the charge by insisting his trademark step-overs and other sleight-of-foot tricks are, "nothing against my rivals." He explained: "Those plays are just part of my way of interpreting football. I have always done them, even three or four years ago when I was younger. But there are plays that I do for the good of the team and never to ridicule my opponents. I tried to do the best for Manchester United and not to make a show. It's just a part of who I am."

Personally I am saddened when highly skilled players feel obliged to apologise for their superior techical gifts. There was the case recently, for example, when Ronaldo's team-mate and compatriot Nani was pilloried for having the temerity to juggle the ball against Arsenal. That was wrongly construed as disrespect, but it's surely bizarre that in a game that professes to be entertainment, the entertainers are lambasted for being entertaining.

As for the charge that Ronaldo is not a team player, that is sheer nonsense. For one thing, the statistics show that while he has amassed 86 goals for United since joining them in 2003, he has also contributed 42 assists. Selfish? Hardly. For another, his work-rate is prodigious, with crosses, assists, chasing back and defending as much a part of all-round game now as the mazy runs and the flow of goals.

Then there is the third stick: that Ronaldo is a diver. Only he will know whether every time he has gone to ground it was in response to genuine contact, but certainly that side of his game has improved significantly, and of course anyone playing the game at the speed he does is not only a target for a late tackle, but also more likely to tumble when clipped. It's as much to do with physics and physique as psychology.

The associated criticism, that he lacks bravery, was surely conclusively answered in Rome when he leaped to head that opening goal, injuring himself in the process but showing only raw determination to get to the ball no matter what.

The fourth stick that Ronaldo has often been beaten with is that he is not a big-game player. This hoary old chestnut gained enthusiastic currency when he failed to make much impact at the San Siro last season in the Champions League semi-final against Milan. That tie also helped push Kaka's claims ahead of Ronaldo's.

But since then, Ronaldo has consistently delivered when it mattered, up to and including last night. Indeed, he has answered his critics emphatically since then, scoring ten in his last 11 appearances in the Champions League, including crucial winning strikes against Sporting Lisbon (twice), Lyon and now Roma. That latest strike made him the current top scorer in this season's tournament.

Meanwhile, Kaka has struggled to deliver this season, not only in Serie A where Milan have endured a difficult time, but also in the Champions League. In the two games against Arsenal, the Brazilian star was effectively eclipsed, or at least marginalised, by the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Mathieu Flamini.

In contrast, Ronaldo has consistently stood up to be counted - and then delivered - whenever United have needed him to this season.

Like him or loathe him, right now there is not a better player in the world than Cristiano Ronaldo. So perhaps it's time to throw our hands up and admit it. And perhaps it's time for the polls outside of England to reflect it.

[carlyluvsunited]

Real Madrid are ready to bid a world
record £100 MILLION for Manchester
United star Cristiano Ronaldo.

The offer will succeed the £80 million
(100 Million Euros) Real indicated they
were willing to pay last year, says 'La
Sexta'.

This rumour comes soon after the Real
Madrid director of Sport Pedja Mijatovic
was seen to be meeting Ronaldo's agent
Jorge Mendes TWICE in the past 10 days.

However ...

The deal is unlikely to go through as
sources close to United insist it does
not meet the valuation of the board.

[scott 4 evra]

Ok. This is my first time creating a thread. I'm doin Journalism in Dublin and we are producing our own newspaper. In Ireland there has been a lot of critics of Ronaldo still and they are saying that Rooney is the one to that comes up in the big games and that Ronaldo doesn't really have the bottle for big games.

I disagree, I'm sure here may disagree with some of my points but any feedback at all would help thanks.

In the past few weeks, I have read numerous sports articles in the country claiming that if they had to choose between Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo that they would choose the English front man.

That decision is formed based on one of Johnny Giles’ favourite quote, “honesty of effort”. Graham Souness claimed that opposition teams would prefer to see the Portuguese star on the team sheet than Rooney.

Work rate of course, is an important part of football and the work Rooney puts in does create space for players like Ronaldo and Tevez to thrive. But ask anybody in the game, the hardest thing to do in football is put the ball in the back of the net.

John Giles is not one for the statistics but I am. This season, United’s winger Ronaldo has played 41 games and has scored 37 goals as opposed to United’s striker Wayne Rooney has played 37 games and scored 17 goals.

It’s not just about the goals though. When Rooney went 9 games without a goal, it was Ronaldo that laid two goals on a plate for Rooney against Aston Villa a few weeks back.

Also, let’s compare their consistency. Rooney, all through his Manchester United career has gone on an eight or nine game run without scoring. However, this season, when United needed a goal, there has been only one man who has stepped up.

Rooney for all his work and endurance has not been the player that people thought when he first came. He doesn’t burst through defences and hit unstoppable shots from outside the box like he did when he was 16. Part of this reason maybe Ferguson’s reluctance to play him behind a striker, the position that most believe will see the best out of him. And who knows, if United get a big target man next year, it may be Rooney that will be the star of the show playing in his natural position.

However, this year most of the plaudits must go to Ronaldo. Not since, Thierry Henry was at his best have we seen one player, single-handily rip apart most teams in the Premier League and you could argue that if Ronaldo keeps this form up, he may eclipse the wonderful French man.

There is also, this myth that Ronaldo does not perform on the big stage. He is top scorer in the Champions League with 7 goals. He has scored against Arsenal and Liverpool in the league. But it was the all-important first goal in Rome, which showed the class of the 23 year old.

As Paul Scholes clipped the ball in, there was no one to be seen. But, out of nowhere, Ronaldo showed so much heart, pace and commitment and rose highest to score a wonderful header. That has summed up his season and that wasn’t even enough to silence some of the critics about his impact on big games.

How do you define a big game? United played Derby County away, who showed great persistence throughout the game only for “you know who” to come up with a great finish. Three points is three points and every game is a big game, particularly towards the end of the season.

What more does Ronaldo have to do to be appreciated by the Irish media?
Dennis Irwin claimed that Wayne Rooney has played as good if not better than Ronaldo. Eamonn Dunphy continues to question how effective he is and many sports journalists are not appreciating the fact that a truly great player is having the season of his life in the best league in the world.

Ronaldo is closing in on Van Nistelrooy’s record of 44 goals during a prolific season five years ago. But that was just his game. Ronaldo sets up many goals, contrary to belief; he does track back, while at the same time entertaining the crowd with memorising runs and fancy flicks.

As the season comes to a close, many believe that it is Rooney’s time and that he will be the onto fire United into Premier League and Champions League this season. However, when United have been struggling for goals, there has only been one man that has shirted the responsibility. If they are to achieve the Double this season it will Ronaldo that will fire them to glory. When that happens then he will surely get his well-deserved World Player of the Year award.

[Jazz 16]

I have mentioned it before on other forums, why would he want to leave , both bacelona and real are not playing well and seem to be in a transition period .
Ronaldo is hero worshipped here and seems happy , it would be a downward step for his career at this stage , but with a ridiculous figure like that you never know , money talks

Thats what Id like to believe as well and do mostly.
He can gain legend status if he stays with us for at least the next 4/5 years.
If we are winning big trophies then why would he go? The Prem is the best
league and are starting to dominate Europe again.
Ronaldo can get all sorts of records by staying here, he has friends here
and when he wins World Footballer of the year this year, how and why could
he leave?

[Jazz 16]

Ronaldo Interview


United wing wizard explains why he'd gladly swap personal awards for team glory...

Are you pleased with your form this season?
I try to improve and this season has been even better than the last. People say I need to perform better in big games; I respect that opinion, but I don’t feel I need to prove anything to anyone. I’m pleased with my progress, but I believe this United squad is the best I’ve been involved in. It’s more consistent and more mature.

In recent seasons you bet Sir Alex you’d score 15 goals; now you have 36...
That’s true! I’m happy with the improvement. I’m a better player now than I was a year ago and definitely better than when I first came here. I hope that continues. Why have I scored more goals this season? It’s hard to say, I’ve just had more chances.

Do you have a favourite goal from this season?
I enjoyed my header against Roma away. That was very satisfying. But I like the free kicks against Portsmouth, Bolton and Sunderland. It’s hard to pick one.

Were you proud to beat George Best’s 32 goals in a season from midfield?
I don’t really want to break anybody’s record – I feel bad! I’ve seen tapes of George Best playing and he was absolutely fantastic. It’s a wonderful record to hold.

You’re tipped to win numerous Player of the Year awards again this year…It’s nice to be recognised, but if I had the choice of winning, say, the Champions League or the Golden Boot, I’d pick the Champions League every time.

[jd_united]

This is a tough one to call. The mighty Wazza up against the formidable Ronnie, both two outstanding young footballers who have the world at their feet.

Since joining United in 2003, Ronaldo's game has advanced and taken on a level I didn't think it would ever reach. When he first arrived, he was a tricky winger who liked to show off his skills. His pace and trickery would get him into some great positions however he could sometimes be very wasteful when he got in these positions. He was often criticised for going down to easily, and quickly became a player the opposition fans loved to boo.

A few years down the line and some things still havn't changed. Ronnie get's booed at every ground he goes to, not including OT of course, but not because of his inability to keep his footing, but because the opposition fans are terrified of what he will do to their team. Coming up to five years on from his debut (can't believe it has been that long :eek:) Ronaldo is now regognised as one of the best players in the world, if not the best player. He has begun to cut out the unecessary step-overs and poor decision making, and replaced them with pin point crosses and powerful accurate shots. Without question Ronaldo has improved dramatically since his arrival in '03, and had been improving slowly but surely up until the end of the 2005/2006 season, when the turning point came in his United career.

Ronaldo's star had shone brightest at the 2006 World Cup but it was not without controversy. The role he played in Wayne Rooney's sending off had many people calling for his head and wanting him out of the country. None of this however came from United who were ready to take him back under their wing. Without question Ronaldo re-paid the faith put in him by SAF with 23 goals in an amazing season, as he fired United to the Premiership title, as well as picking up a whole host of personal honours along the way.

Many people thought Ronaldo had now peaked at United however, the boy wonder still had a lot more in his locker. Once again this season he has been the Premiership's outstanding player and has improved his game once again in ever department.

With his new contract seemingly on the table, United have recognised Ronaldo as indispencible to the club. They know they have on their hands one of the finest footballers in the world, and are ready to lock up his services for the forseable future.

But now from the Sunshine of Madeira, to the streets of Merseyside, another United legend in the making was on the horision.

Unlike Ronaldo who at the time was an unknown youngster with potential to become a fine player, Wayne Rooney had already shown that he could perform at the highest level while still being only a teenager.

In August 2004, United had already sighted their Summer transfer target for the following year. However when Newcastle put in an offer for Rooney and threatened to hijack United's plan, SAF had to respond.

He responded by bringing to the club the explosive young talent Wayne Rooney to Manchester United for a fee that could rise to £27 million.

After having to wait to make his United debut due to injury picked up at Euro 2004, Rooney wasted little time in announcing himself on the United scence with a stunning hat-trick on his debut against Fenerbache. Playing in his preferred position just behind Ruud van Nistelrooy, United looked to have the ultimate player on their hands.

Throughout his time at United, Rooney has shown that he has the potential to become one of the finest players in English football history. However he has fallen victim ironically to his desire, will to win and versatility. Whilst at United Rooney has played as a target man, striker dropping just off the target man, left winger, right winger and center midfielder. Wayne was even ready to go in goal when United had to re-think their man between the sticks as Tomasz Kusuzcak was sent off against Portsmouth this season in the FA Cup. Wherever Rooney has played, he has given his all and looked capeable but hasn't in some positions been able to fill the potential he had shown at a younger age. Undoubtably Rooney preferred position is to play just off a traget man, something unfortunatly he hasn't been able to do as often as he would have liked.

Despite this, Rooney has proved his value to the team which is shown by the fact that he has been absent from every United defeat this season.

Rooney and Ronaldo are both amazing talented players, who can be hugely sucessful at United. Ronaldo is the type of player who can grab the vital goal at a crucial time in a game, and at times seem to win matches single handedly for the team. Rooney on the other hand is the type of player who can lift the whole team with one powerful surging run, or an explosive piece of magic to create something for his team. Both players in my view are indispencible to United. Ronaldo for his individual brilliance, and Rooney for his work rate, and being able to get the best out of his team mates even if he isn't playing his greatest game, much like Roy Keane.

With things going seemingly well for both men at United, and the team doing well on the pitch, we can hopefully look forward to seeing both men stay at United for a long time. Either player would be sorely missed if he were to leave.

[Jazz 16]

Great Ronnie videos

Cristiano Ronaldo ~ Goals, Celebrations & Commentary 07-08: 8:32 mins
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxIpqS-mmts&eurl=http://www.footytube.com/page/3/

Cristiano Ronaldo Biography: The Story So Far as seen on Itv:
Video on http://www.indonewyork.com/
scroll down to find this vid.
Enjoy!

[sparkic]

Well against big teams Ronaldo always gets man and double marked because he is a major threat, and any player marked that tight should obviously dissapear! It doesn't matter how good you are but with 2 or even at times more people on you, the player is bound to seem to dissapear over a long period of time - and Ronaldo is the victim of that. In the Milan clashs last season Gattuso and their lb were both on him. In the FA Cup final Essien and their lb/rb were on him for more than 90 minutes and its tough for a winger who doesn't have that much space to begin with to be double marked for 90 minutes hence he dissapears. Another example can be away at anfield with Mascherano on him like a glove.

The reason why Ronaldo has imporved on that aspect (performing in the big games) this season is because he has become a more complete player. He can score free-kicks, penalties, headers from set peices, move up front as striker and finish one on ones, tap ins, and score long shots because his shooting has improved and that is why now he does certainly delivers and scores in big games! We seriously need to applaud the improvement because before he was just lost with 2 men on him with just small glimpses of his talent but now since he can have an impact from many different areas in the game he does indeed perform. Anyone who says he hasn't improved and still disappears is delousional - eg. scousers. Reason why Torres will always choke vs a world class defence is because he is not so well rounded as Ronaldo in the areas I have mentioned above.

Lets just hope Ronaldo can continue this magnificent form into this crucial part of the season and into Euro 08 and into the Olympics and into next season! lol

[marty davidson]

This is why Critiano Ronaldo is a complete player

Right foot goals {Open Play} 13 goals
Left foot goals {Open Play} 7 goals
Headers 8 goals
Free-Kicks 5 goals
Penalty's 4 goals

Where Abouts

Old Trafford 24 goals
Away grounds 14 goals

When

0-15 minutes 6 goals
16-30 minutes 3 goals
31-45 minutes 7 goals
46-60 minutes 6 goals
61-74 minutes 4 goals
76-90 minutes 12 goals

and still counting

[red_devils4life]

Source: Goal.com

http://gfx.dagbladet.no/pub/artikkel/4/47/473/473740/ronaldo_ap.jpg

Carlos Queiroz has told Real Madrid to forget about signing Cristiano Ronaldo as he does not believe that there is enough money in the world to tempt Manchester United to sell the star.


The Red Devils's assistant manager made it clear that all the rumours and reports suggesting that Los Merengues had a chance of prising the Portuguese forward away from Old Trafford were wrong.

Queiroz was responsible for taking Ronaldo to the Premier League club and is known to be very protective of his compatriot, who he has helped nurture since his arrival in England from Sporting Lisbon in 2003.

Real Madrid have continuously been linked with a move for the 23-year-old with suggestions that they are ready to break the bank in order to attract the player to the Bernabéu, but that is a trick that will not impress Manchester United, according to Alex Ferguson's right-hand man.

"We are not going sell him, even for €120m," Queiroz announced, in a bid to finally quash all the transfer talk. "You can count all the money in the world, but there would still not be enough to buy him."

Los Merengues' president, Ramón Calderón, has added Ronaldo's name to a list of players that he promised to sign in his pre-election campaign tow years ago. While Arjen Robben has arrived as one of those named, Kaká and Cesc Fàbregas are still at AC Milan and Arsenal respectively.

Now Madrid look set to be told that while the last regime was able to prise the Brazilian Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane away from their club in unlikely, and prolonged transfer, the current board will not be so lucky with their list of primary targets.

[versa]

Can't help it.....

Another interesting article from MEN, my favourite website of all time and the best I will ever know. So make sure you go to the website and read up lock, stock and barrel, ok? You got it?

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1045347_ronaldo_follows_the_leader

[Jazz 16]

Updated Ronaldo Stats:

Ronaldo's goals in the season 2007/2008 until April 17th 2008:

- 38 goals in 42 matches (28 in the EPL, 7 in the CL and 3 in the FA Cup)
- 1 hat trick (against Newcastle)
- He scored twice 9 times
(against Wigan, Kiev, Blackburn, Fulham, Everton, Tottenham, Portsmouth, Newcastle and Bolton)
- Ronaldo has now scored in the last 7 games he has played in:
(Arsenal, Boro, Roma, Villa, Liverpool, Bolton, Derby)


United Career: 88 goals in 232 apps.

Goals scored:
2003/04 - 6
2004/05 - 9
2005/06 - 12
2006/07 - 23
2007/08 - 38*
* Up to 17th April


Top scorers for United in a season:

-46-Denis Law - (63/64)
-44-Ruud van Nist - (02/03)
-39-Denis Law - (64/65)
-38-Cristiano Ronaldo (07/08) * until 15th March
-36-Ruud van Nist- (01/02)
-34-Tommy taylor - (56/57)
-33-Liam Whelan - (56/57)
-33-David Herd - (65/66)
-32-Dennis Viollet - (59-60)
-32-George Best - (67/68)
-31-Brian McClair - (87/88)
-30-Jack Rowley - (48/49 & 51/52)
-29-Bobby Charlton - (58/59)
-29-Dwight yorke - (98/99)
-25-Eric Cantona - (93/94)
-23-Cristiano Ronaldo - (06/07)


Top Scorers Premiership 07/08Ronaldo-28
Torres-22
Adebayor-20

[Jazz 16]

Ronaldo has now scored 41 goals this season, 31 of them in the Prem.

[RedForceRising]

http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=4017089

The individual awards keep rolling in for Cristiano Ronaldo, who has picked up the Barclays Player of the Season and Barclays Golden Boot awards to complete a sensational season.

The 23-year-old Portuguese wing wiazard also collected a merit award for reaching 30 league goals this season.

Ronaldo was pivotal in United's Barclays Premier League title success and it was no surprise that he earned the Barclays Player of the Season accolade for the second year in succession.

Whichever way you look at it, Ronaldo has been exceptional this season, and the stats back it up. His 31 goals from 34 league appearances helped see off stiff opposition for the awards from Arsenal’s Emmanuel Adebayor and Fernando Torres of Liverpool.

It's the first time a player has scored more than 30 league goals in a season since Alan Shearer’s 31-goal haul for Blackburn Rovers twelve years ago.

The merit award for reaching 30 goals will also benefit one lucky charity as Ronaldo will receive £1,000 for every goal scored to be donated to a charity of his choice.

However, for all the personal awards showered on the Madeiran magician, his sights will be firmly set on the Champions League trophy in Moscow next Wednesday.

PFA Player of the Year
Football Writers' Player of the Year
Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year
United Players' Player of the Year
United Goal of the Season (Portsmouth)
Barclays Player of the Season
Barclays Golden Boot
Barclays Merit Prize

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm294/RedForceRising/Football/mu_ronaldo_awards.jpg?t=1210777645

- Congratulations Ronaldo! Now if he can show a bit more maturity next season, continue playing when the referee hasn't blown the foul and stop the sulking that gives Paddy Crearand and others heart attacks, he will be a true great. It would be fantastic, if he not only played like the world's best, but also behaved like the world's best footballer!

Nonetheless, to receive so many accolades at the tender age of 23 is simply amazing and a remarkable feat. He certainly gets my vote for the Ballon d'Or.