Manchester
United's Ecuadorian acquisition Antonio
Valencia will struggle as the replacement for Real Madrid Galactico
Cristiano Ronaldo, who gave the club six years of exceptional
service and has retained his status as the globe's greatest player,
according to great Scottish boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
The amicable parting of company has continued to spill over in
press conferences, as Ferguson refuses to criticise Cristiano for
coveting a switch to the Spanish heavyweights.
"Ronaldo is fantastic," Ferguson clearly stated. "I think he's the
best footballer in the world.
"He gave us six great years... and it's quite hard keeping hold of
players from other countries for that long a period of time, so I
think we're quite fortunate that way."
He continued, "We hope we can find the answer on Ronaldo because 26
goals from a winger in modern day football is exceptional."
Ferguson then noted, however, that, "the boy [Antonio] Valencia
does have potential", which is perhaps indicative that the former
Wigan Athletic flanker will not be expected to fill the Portuguese
international's boots immediately.
"We never expected him [Ronaldo] to stay longer than six years. The
move to Real was something he wanted, and we thought we'd grant
that because he never let us down.
"He was a good professional and I hope he does well in the future,
and he will do, he's a great player," the Red Devils coach proudly
concluded.