Fans recognise 'great' Ronaldo - Fergie Friday, October 20, 2006
Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has won over his detractors with his sheer footballing ability.
The Portugal international has been booed and jeered for his part in Wayne Rooney's World Cup sending off and there were some fears he would be driven out of England.
Since returning to Manchester after the summer break, Ronaldo has taken on the mantle as United's most effective player and has been in stunning form.
"I know English football is very tribal and everyone wants their team to do well," said Ferguson.
"But there's one common denominator - they are all passionate about the game and recognise a great player, which is what has happened with Ronaldo.
"Although they set out to boo him, they are sat there with their legs and fingers crossed hoping nothing happens to embarrass them.
"In terms of self-belief, I wondered at times how long it would take Ronaldo to recover from the verbal pummelling he endured.
"Well, we all know the answer to that now. He has shrugged off the abuse and has given his reply where it counts most - out on the field of play.
"He has definitely been our best player this season.
"You groan when one of his free-kicks misfires but, as he ignores the tackles that repeatedly fell him, he keeps his belief and then comes up with an astoundingly clever piece of play."
Ronaldo will be a key figure in Sunday's mouthwatering clash with Liverpool.
"We are playing well and the players are full of confidence so we can definitely win," the youngster stated.
