Ronaldo's set to shine

Sure, he destroys the likes of Fulham and Bolton, but can Cristiano Ronaldo turn on the style when it really matters?

That’s the question opposition fans keep asking United supporters in pubs around the country. After all, the Reds’ No.7 has never scored against title rivals Chelsea and, until last season’s 7-1 demolition of Roma, only had one Champions League goal to his name.


In Rome on Monday, however, it was Sir Alex Ferguson who was faced with the question ahead of United’s quarter-final, first leg clash at the Stadio Olimpico.

“You have to remember, the boy’s not had as much European football as a lot of the top players on the European scene,” he countered. “He’s only young – he’s just turned 23.

“I’m sure in two or three years’ time the question will not even need to be asked. In domestic football this season he’s improved in every department of his game and the more he plays in Europe, the more he’ll show his attributes on the European stage.

“I have no concerns about that. All I can say is that a year after we came to Rome last season we’re bringing back a player who’s shown incredible improvement and is in fine goalscoring form.”

Indeed, since that 7-1 rout, Ronaldo has scored nine in his last 10 appearances in the competition, including vital winners against Sporting Lisbon (twice) and Olympique Lyonnais. Alongside Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, he’s the current joint top scorer in the 2007/08 competition.