Ferguson allays Ronaldo fears

SIR Alex Ferguson is confident there will be no recriminations against Cristiano Ronaldo as holders Manchester United start their Champions League defence at home to Villarreal tonight.

There is a fear that fans might turn against Ronaldo, who has recovered from ankle surgery, after he expressed a wish to join Real Madrid in the summer.

It is Ronaldo’s first appearance of the season and Ferguson said: “I think the fans understand the situation. He is a young man who has been tempted by the lure of money and, as you know, he has said he would like to go Real Madrid.

“Since we gave him the decision (that he must stay) he has accepted it and has shown a fantastic maturity over the last few weeks.

“There has been no pettiness, no throwing toys out of the pram and he has professional in training every day.

“He has been one of the best patients I have ever seen and has been working every day until 5pm.

“He has shown a determination to get back playing for us and he is ahead of schedule which is a credit to him and the job of the physios. There are absolutely no issues at all concerning Cristiano.”

Ferguson added Ronaldo could have featured at Liverpool on Saturday, but it was decided to give him a few extra days to make sure he is 100-per-cent fit.

While Ronaldo’s long-term future remains uncertain, Carlos Tevez is ready to commit his long-term future to the club.

The Argentine has been signed on a two-season loan and United must make a decision about signing him permanently next summer.

He said: “When I came here I would have loved to have signed a long-term contract.

“It would be wonderful if the chairman were to put one on the table. I would sign it without doubt,” he explained.

Ferguson believes Villarreal are the biggest threat in their group.

The fact they have twice finished runners-up in La Liga in the last five years, he says, is evidence of their capabilities.

He is also aware that Villarreal held United to two goalless draws in the Champions League in 2005/06 when the Spaniards reached the semi-finals and United went out after the initial group phase.