Ron must accept targeting

Boss implores winger to put a stop to recent retaliations

By Rob Carragher   Last updated: 3rd January 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Ron must accept targeting

Ferguson: Ronaldo must come to terms with treatment

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Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo must learn to deal with the on-pitch treatment that he receives.

The United star's ill-discipline has been under much scrutiny this season, the most recent controversy coming when he squared up to Middlesbrough defender Emanuel Pogatetz during the Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Monday.

No action was taken at the time, and Ronaldo once again escaped punishment from the FA despite a growing list of incidents in recent weeks that have seen him kick out at Celtic's Scott Brown, Tottenham's Michael Dawson and Stoke's Andy Wilkinson.

Magnified

Ronaldo himself has suggested that he may be being targeted by players, referees and the media in an attempt to subdue his influence, and Sir Alex has concurred that the Portuguese's complaints may be well-founded.

"Of course I can understand Cristiano's frustration," said the United boss.

"Enough has been said about it already but I can understand it.

"He has produced little moments of displeasure at the treatment he is getting.

"They are trivial things but, as he has said himself, because it is Ronaldo it is magnified.

"That is the penalty for being a great player. He has to understand that."