Law: Ronaldo's at the right club

United goalscoring legend Denis Law has told Cristiano Ronaldo that Old Trafford is the place to be to fulfil all his career aims.

Ronaldo had another record-breaking season in terms of goals for a winger - he scored 42 goals, just four behind Law's record of 46 in a campaign. It's the sort of form that has United's prized asset the envy of Europe's top clubs.

Real Madrid have persistently been linked - and linked themselves with - a move for the 23-year-old winger. But such a transfer doesn't make sense to Law, who says there's more to come after United's Double-winning campaign.

"There has been talk of Ronaldo going to Real Madrid, but you've just got to look at what he's done here at Manchester United and ask yourself, 'What's the point in him going to Real Madrid?'," he said.

"He's just won the Champions League and back-to-back titles, so why go anywhere else? He is at the most famous club in the world and they are not yet done with winning trophies."

Law, who alongside George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton has been immortalised in the 'United Trinity' statue outside Old Trafford, also believes the Portuguese forward should be named European Footballer of the Year, an award all three United greats won in the sixties.

"I would think that Ronaldo is the favourite to win it this year," Law added. "The way he's going, he is one of the favourites and if he doesn't win it this year, he'll certainly win it at some point."
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Manucho eyes Reds chance

Angola striker Manucho expects to be part of United's first team squad next season after completing a three-month loan spell at Panathinaikos.

The 25-year-old was offered a long term contract at Old Trafford last December after impressing during a trial with the club. He has spent the last few months in Greece where he scored once during eight appearances.

Although yet to obtain a work permit, Manucho remains confident things will be sorted in time for him to link with his new team-mates for pre-season.

"The club is dealing with the work-permit process and I have been asked to turn up on July 1 for pre-season," revealed the striker, who is currently on international duty.

"Since the end of the Greek league, I have been in contact with United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz and I know that things are going well.

"I am not thinking about wearing a shirt other than that of United. I am just thinking about playing in the Champions League next season."
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End of the line for Premier League foreigners

The Premier League today paid the price for its success when football’s world governing body voted in favour of the “six-plus-five rule”, which would put a limit on the number of foreign players each team could field. FIFA president Sepp Blatter has said he hopes the controversial rule, which would limit every team to only five foreign players in their starting XI, will be in place by the 2012/13 season. His vision appears to be a step closer following the overwhelming backing at FIFA's annual congress in Sydney, Australia. FIFA's controversial proposal is different from a "home-grown players" rule proposed by UEFA, European football's governing body. UEFA defines "home-grown players" as team members who, regardless of age or nationality, have been trained by their club or by another club in the National Association for at least three years between the ages of 15 and 21.
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Sir Alex and Carlos cleared

The Football Association has cleared Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlos Queiroz of charges of improper conduct.

The charges relate to media comments made following United's 1-0 FA Cup sixth round defeat against Portsmouth in March.

United were unhappy about a number of decisions from the matchday officials led by referee Martin Atkinson, chiefly what the Reds saw as the failure to award a penalty kick when Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to be bodychecked by Sylvain Distin in the first half.

Sir Alex and Carlos held personal hearings on Wednesday but were cleared of all charges by the FA disciplinary panel.

A statement on the FA website read: "At an independent Regulatory Commission hearing today, charges against Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and assistant manager Carlos Queiroz were found not proved."
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Rio: Euro glory is the ultimate

Rio Ferdinand describes the feeling of winning the Champions League as the best he's ever experienced, but, according to the defender, it's the kudos that comes with it that represents the most satisfying part of the achievement.

Ferdinand skippered the Reds to a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Chelsea in Moscow last week to seal Premier League and European glory.

The 29-year-old has been part of a number of trophy triumphs since joining the club in 2002, but insists only now can members of the current squad be talked about in the same breath as past club greats.

"I said before the game that you’re only really considered a great player at this club when you win the Champions League," he told ManUtd.com.

"There have been a lot of top players at United, but to win this competition and be revered by the fans and everyone associated with the club by becoming a European champion sets you apart from everyone else.

"It's the best feeling I’ve ever had. Not many players get to experience it. We want to be back next year and experience this feeling again because it’s fantastic."

Ferdinand also revealed he was next in line to take a penalty had Nicolas Anelka's not been saved by Edwin van der Sar.

"I was next up after Ryan [Giggs] so I was thinking about what I was going to do if Anelka had scored and I had to take mine," when asked how he felt as the Chelsea striker stepped forward.

"All the lads did brilliantly [in the shoot-out]. Look at Nani and Anderson – two young, inexperienced lads in terms of playing in games on this type of stage, yet they stepped up and showed great nerve and courage.

"That speaks volumes for the courage and ability in this squad."
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