[Red Devil]

Nationwide Conference side Oxford are preparing for a sell-out crowd as Manchester United, with Cristiano Ronaldo in tow, prepare to roll into town next week. The Kassam Stadium will play host to Sir Alex Ferguson's side on Tuesday (August 11), in what may be Ronaldo's first match on English soil since the winger's controversial World Cup, and fans have been snapping up tickets a week in advance. The Portuguese could be in for a frosty reception from opposition supporters this season, following his involvement in club-mate Wayne Rooney's quarter final dismissal for England. And a taste of what is to come may well arrive in the pre-season friendly which club secretary Mick Brown believes will witness a full house at the 12,500-capacity ground. "It has been just crazy up here today, and I think all tickets will go now," said Brown.

[MUFC]

Oxford 1 - 4 Man Utd

Cristiano Ronaldo shrugged off jeers from rival fans to star in Manchester United's 4-1 win over Oxford United in a pre-season friendly.

The Portugal international was made public enemy number one for his perceived role in getting United teammate Wayne Rooney sent off in the World Cup quarter-final against England last month.

And the Oxford United fans ensured the winger was given a rowdy reception on his first game back on English soil, but he brushed it off with aplomb, swerving home a brilliant 14th minute volley.

Much had been made of Ronaldo's return, 38 days since he helped get Rooney sent off and fired home the penalty which knocked England out of the World Cup.

But the security concerns expressed over the former Sporting Lisbon star appeared to have been greatly exaggerated.

There were no police inside the stadium at all and, while the number of safety officers present had been beefed up, it was only in response to the arrival of a United side containing nine internationals rather than the reserve team which had originally been expected when the fixture was agreed a couple of months ago.

Even the boos were more routine than venomous and the 21-year-old felt relaxed enough to offer team-mate Kieran Richardson a broad grin as he ran out for the second half.

The contest was only six minutes old when Ronaldo made his first imprint on the game, touching a pass to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer inside the Oxford box which allowed the veteran striker to blast a shot into the roof of the net.

Ronaldo's opener followed not that long afterwards. It was Louis Saha, also making his first appearance since heartbreakingly missing the World Cup final through suspension, who provided the cushioned lay-off to Phil Bardsley's cross.

The right-foot finish was exquisite, starting off wide of Turley's far post before curling in.

Darren Fletcher added another two minutes later and while Robert Duffy powered home a far-post header before the break, Ronaldo quickly restored United's three-goal lead after half-time.

Yet again, the finish was right-footed, curling a shot into the bottom corner this time after David Jones had fed him with a short pass.

There was to be no hat-trick, even though Ronaldo was pushed into a more orthodox striker's role until he was replaced by Giuseppe Rossi.

[Red Devil]

Sounds like it was a good game to watch.

Thanks for the match report, MUFC!

[spoonofmilk]

It was an okay match. Started off great for Utd, but once we were 3-0 up they visibly took their foot off the gas. Ronaldo seemed to be handling the jeers quite well and thought he did well, didn't really clown about diving or anything which was nice. Hope it becomes a habit for the premiership too!

Highlight for me was seeing Solskjaer score again... I really hope he doesn't get played by Norway next week.. and if he does, I'll just have to have my fingers crossed that he doesn't get injured.

I hope Ronaldo does the business this year for United!