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SAF Praises Ronnie

August 9, 2006 By red devil

Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo was praised by Sir Alex Ferguson after his first game since the World Cup.

Ronaldo was accused of helping to get England’s Wayne Rooney, his United team-mate, sent-off in the World Cup quarter-final.

He scored twice in the 4-1 win over Oxford but was booed every time he touched the ball by the home fans.

“It was Cristiano’s first game back and I thought he handled it very well,” said Ferguson.

“He took his goals very well. They were both great strikes and he got a terrific reception from the United supporters as well and all in all, he did very well.”

Ronaldo’s first goal against Oxford came when curled in a superb 14th minute volley after striker Louis Saha’s cushioned lay-off.

He rifled a 20-yard shot into the bottom corner after David Jones had provided the short pass for his second before being substituted.

United’s fans gave him rapturous applause as he left the field but Oxford’s fans showed little sympathy as they jeered him off.

He is likely to get some similarly hostile treatment at Premiership venues but did not appear concerned by the abuse.

He also set up striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for United’s opener with Darren Fletcher scoring the third for the Old Trafford side.

Robert Duffy scored Oxford’s goal to make it 3-1 before Ronaldo had the last word.

Ferguson had several of his international stars back for the game and Saha and Mikael Silvestre completed the full 90 minutes while Gabriel Heinze lasted just short of an hour.

“It was important to get the remaining World Cup players back into the game,” said Ferguson.

“Louis and Mikael did not play as much in Germany as Gaby and Cristiano, which is why I kept them on for the full game.”

Filed Under: Match Report, News, Pre-Season

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