Sir Alex Ferguson has set Manchester United ace
Cristiano Ronaldo a revised target of 25 goals from his injury-hit
season.
Ronaldo scooped what is expected to be the first of a
series of individual honours when he was named FIFPro player of the
year on Monday.
On the back of his 42 goals in United's double-winning season it
was hardly an unexpected choice, and as the man who persuaded
Ronaldo to remain at Manchester United it was fitting Ferguson
should hand over the prize.
But the Red Devils chief prefers to look forward rather than
back, and while he
accepts there is no way Ronaldo could reach last season's tally,
feels it is perfectly possible for the 23-year-old to make another
significant contribution.
"I still think he will beat 25," Ferguson said. "It is going to
be difficult because he has had a stop-start beginning to the
season.
"He had the operation on his ankle so he has missed a few games
and he is just getting his rhythm back.
"The number of goals he scored last year was absolutely
phenomenal. You cannot describe it any other way.
"But I hope he can be equally as good this year in terms of his
contribution to the team."
Ferguson has seen Ronaldo's startling progress at close quarters
since he signed the raw teenager from Sporting
Lisbon in 2003.
At the time, few had heard of Ronaldo, but the United players
who had been so staggered at a pre-season performance in the
Portuguese capital implored Ferguson to sign him.
It did not take long for the winger to make a far bigger
audience sit up and take notice. His Premier League debut as a
substitute against Bolton at Old Trafford was enough.
"We were struggling at the time but it ended up 4-0," Ferguson
added.
"The first thing he did, after winning a free-kick, was stand
next to a team-mate, Mikael Silvestre I think it was, and demand
the ball.
"It was as if he wanted to immediately let everyone know, 'I am
here'. That was him making his mark.
"At first we said that he wouldn't play every week. We
originally intended to play him every third week. It turned out
that he took part more or less all season.
"We just felt we had something special."
Ferguson highlights footwork and courage as Ronaldo's major
qualities. He has also had to develop a fairly thick skin following
the controversy with Wayne Rooney at the World Cup two years ago
and last summer's transfer saga with Real Madrid.
"It's in the past now," said Ferguson. "It happened and you get
on with life."
Nevertheless, Ronaldo is now scrutinised in a way most men of
his age would find stifling.
Only last week his lack of a goal celebration against Celtic was
analysed and cited as evidence he would prefer to be in Spain.
"I don't know if it bothers Cristiano but it doesn't bother me,"
said Ferguson.
"There is so much sensationalism today because of the pressure
people are under to deliver headline stories. It is very difficult
to get yourself annoyed about it."
Amid the frenzied atmosphere of the Premier League, it is hard
to imagine anyone actually enjoying a game or performance.
Yet Ferguson feels that way about Ronaldo. As the tricks have
slowly given way to effective ways of beating opponents, so the
23-year-old's talent has become more useful.
And, like most fans, Ferguson still gets a shudder of excitement
when he sees the Portugal star take possession.
"I really enjoy watching him play," said Ferguson. "It is
fantastic."
