FERGUSON DEFENDS RONALDO

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hit back at moaning Roma over the showboating of Cristiano Ronaldo on Tuesday night.

Ronaldo’s stunning display and excellent goal earned him only rebukes from Roma officials who called him disrespectful with his tricks.

Ferguson said: “The most important message Cristiano is giving out is that he is a great player who is not afraid to take the ball and beat a man.

“That is what he is saying in whatever fashion he does it. He has ability and expression in his play and we encourage that with all the players.

“In this modern day it’s a breath of fresh air and he will not be afraid to do it.

“That is what people pay to see. Perhaps it annoys opponents he is prepared to take the ball to them.”

As many other teams have done, Roma tried unsuccessfully to kick, barge and elbow Ronaldo, 23, out of the game.

But Ferguson has a warning for them - and any player who might try kicking him out of the game.

Said Ferguson: “Ronaldo is a winner. They cannot kick him out of the game.

“He will always get up and carry on playing.

“It will not worry him if Roma come looking for him in the second leg.”