Gabriel Heinze insists he never had any intention of leaving
Manchester United this summer.
The Argentina full-back returned from cruciate ligament surgery to
play for his country in the summer's World Cup.
His performances were so effective, speculation quickly began to
surface Real Madrid had placed Heinze on their hit-list in case
Roberto Carlos opted to leave.
In the end, Carlos decided to stay at the Bernabeu. But Heinze has
revealed the prospect of leaving United was not an option.
'I am happy at Manchester United,' Heinze told MUTV. 'This is where
I want to play.
'I will never forget how the manager supported me by allowing me to
have my knee surgery and rehabilitation in Spain. He is one of the
main reasons why I want to stay.'
After showing signs of muscle wastage when he reported back from
the World Cup, Heinze is currently on a demanding course of gym
work and will be missing tonight as the Red Devils look to maintain
their 100% record, against Charlton.
The game will represent Cristiano Ronaldo's first Premiership
away-day since being publicly condemned for his role in Wayne
Rooney's dismissal for England in Germany.
Ronaldo's appearance at The Valley is sure to be greeted by
jeers.
Yet, having suffered in similar fashion in a pre-season friendly at
Oxford and responded with two wonder goals, then smashing home
another one at Old Trafford on Sunday after the Fulham fans had
booed him, Ronaldo has so far provided the perfect response.
And Red Devils utility man John O'Shea thinks eventually opposition
supporters will soon discover their animosity towards the Portugal
winger is entirely counterproductive.
'Cristiano knows what is coming but I think he will thrive on it,'
said O'Shea.
'You can see from the goals he has scored how he reacts to the
test.
'Our players always seem to be targeted for certain things but it
just tends to spur them on.
'In fact, I think the more people boo him, the better it will be
for us.
'Soon enough, I am sure people will start to realise it is better
to leave him alone, then the whole thing will start to die
off.'
United could certainly do with Ronaldo on top form given their lack
of available firepower.
Paul Scholes and Rooney both miss out as they begin their
controversial three-match suspensions, while Ryan Giggs is a doubt
after being stamped on by Fulham midfielder Michael Brown at the
weekend.
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