Extract from http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philmcnulty/2009/04/f.html
United's defence, which does not seem to have recovered from the
wounds inflicted by Liverpool in the 4-1 defeat at Old Trafford,
extended an open invitation to Porto's incisive attackers from,the
start.
Rio Ferdinand was once more a spectator, and United's chances of
progress in Porto will be hugely enhanced if he returns, although
it is highly unlikely he will play at Sunderland at the
weekend.
This is no criticism of Jonny Evans, but Nemanja Vidic is a more
formidable presence with Ferdinand's pace and anticipation
alongside him.
United's midfield lacked drive and Paul Scholes needs to produce
more of those outstanding performances from the past just to prove
time is not threatening to catch up with him. He rarely influenced
events.
And then we come to Cristiano Ronaldo. A glorious talent, but a
glorious talent who needs to take a long, hard look at team-mate
Rooney's determination to chase every ball and pursue every lost
cause.
Too often, when Ronaldo loses possession, he almost acts as if
it is beneath him to go and retrieve the situation, preferring
instead to stand around and wait for a team-mate to do his dirty
work.
He performed the trick against Aston Villa on Sunday and was at
it again in the build up to Porto's opening goal last night. It was
significant that Old Trafford warmed to Rooney's non-stop endeavour
while Ronaldo's occasional shrugs after losing possession were met
with audible impatience.
United's fans expect to see perspiration running alongside
inspiration. And rightly so. They are used to it from men such as
Rooney, Scholes and Ryan Giggs, so Ronaldo need not feel
exempt.
