Ronaldo fires United warning Saturday August 27, 2005
Ronaldo in great form
Cristiano Ronaldo has warned his Manchester United team-mates they must maintain their fast start to the campaign if they are to stand any chance of challenging Chelsea this season.
Sir Alex Ferguson hauled his players back early for the start of pre-season training in an effort to ensure there was no repeat of last year's sluggish opening, which brought the Red Devils just six points from their opening five games.
The move appears to have paid off as United have already matched that tally with successive victories over Everton and Aston Villa.
They head into Sunday's televised clash with crisis club Newcastle trailing Chelsea only because the Londoners have played a game more.
With high-profile encounters against Manchester City and Liverpool to come immediately after the international break, United need to keep the run going at St James' Park.
And Ronaldo believes it is imperative if the Red Devils are to be major contenders for honours this season.
"If we are to have any chance of winning the Premiership title, we need to get off to a good start," he said.
"It's important to maintain a good standard of play throughout the season, not just against our title rivals but against the smaller clubs as well.
"Our results against those teams last season were disappointing and we know they must improve if we are to have any realistic chance."
