Sir Alex Ferguson says Cristiano Ronaldo could make a big
difference to Uniteds attacking potency as the Portuguese winger
returns from a three-match suspension this weekend.
The 22-year-old hasnt played for the Reds since being shown a red
card against Portsmouth on 15 August.
Despite 1-0 victories over Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland, United
have not looked as threatening in front of goal as at the start of
last season, most likely due to the absence of Ronaldo and Wayne
Rooney.
Both could play against Everton on Saturday, and Ronaldo is being
tipped by Sir Alex to inject impetus to the teams forward
play.
Without question, Cristianos return is a big plus for us, said
the boss. You miss players that make a difference, create
opportunities, score goals and change the pattern of games.
With Ronaldo back that gives us some better attacking options than
we have had in the last three games.
Sir Alex says that Ronaldo may have to deal with the kind of
provocation that led to his sending off against Portsmouth, which
the United boss still feels was unjust, but is confident the winger
has the temperament and attitude to cope.
Thats a possibility [that players could try to provoke him], he
added. I think that some players might try to do that. But thats
up to Ronaldo to control himself, to know what a good player he is.
He knows that hes only helping them by reacting to it. Also, you
look for a strong referee that can sense the mood of the
game.