United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz has praised Cristiano
Ronaldo for his growing maturity and strength of character
following the fall-out from this summers World Cup.
He is in no doubt that the 21-year-old Portuguese winger can be the
best player in the world if he continues his development at Old
Trafford.
Queiroz has been a mentor to Ronaldo during his time at Old
Trafford, and was instrumental over the summer in helping the
United youngster overcome the reaction from the English press and
opposition fans following Wayne Rooneys red card for England
against Portugal in Germany.
Since then, Ronaldo has been in scintillating form for the Reds,
and Queiroz is excited about the future that lies ahead of the
Madeiran.
He is showing to the world that he is not a player that can be
affected by mistakes or adversity, Carlos said. He has shown such
a strong personality and is playing with great authority. I must
say, as a compliment to him, he has grown up a lot in the last few
months, especially since the World Cup.
For me, it is important you dont approach players and say do
this or do that. You have to help them think about life,
principles and values and teach them to think for themselves and
come up with the right answers.
When I talked to Cristiano, I tried to get him to create that
special desire and ambition to be, not one of the best
players in the world, but the best player in the world. He can do
it, he can be the best in the world.
We have a couple of players that have that possibility here. They
learn from the game and learn from life. Its about creating the
balance of how they play, what they say, the friends they have
everything. It is part of our job to help them construct the right
thoughts and come to the right decisions on the pitch and away from
it.
There is another test for the skilful winger in the form of Benfica
on Tuesday. Ronaldo got himself in trouble and received a one
match-ban which he served against Celtic last season in Estadio
da Luz for a gesture to the Benfica fans. Asked if he thought
Ronaldo would pass the test, Queiroz is adamant in his
response.
I have no doubts about it, he said. It is a special opportunity
for Ronaldo because he was punished in Benfica and he starts afresh
in Benfica. He can reverse what happened last season.
We dont need to talk to him about it, we talked enough about what
happened after the game, so we dont need to do it again. I am sure
he will play well.