Fergie: Keep kicking Ron

Sir Alex Ferguson admits he has no problem watching Cristiano Ronaldo getting kicked.

The flamboyant Portuguese wide man has been the subject of some rough treatment since his arrival in The Premiership and at the weekend against Newcastle was not spared some tough tackling.

After an initial period of transition, Ronaldo has proved his detractors wrong and has emerged as one of the most precociously gifted young talents in world football.

Whilst the tricky 20-year-old may fail to concur with his manager's view on getting fouled, it seems certain that Ronaldo will play a pivotal role in deciding the outcome of this season's title race.

Ferguson is confident that Ronaldo, along with fellow starlet Wayne Rooney, will soon be regarded as one of the world's top three players - along with Barcelona's Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho.

''If they have to foul him and bring him down all the time, it tells you he is doing something really well,'' said Ferguson.

''Both Rooney and Ronaldo are so alive right now. It is great to see two young people enjoying their football the way they are.

''The great thing about both of them is they are still young and still learning.

''You may not see the best of them for four or five years. They are willing to learn as well.

''Wayne has a tremendous work ethic and Cristiano clearly enjoys his game. We are very fortunate to have two young players who I think in the next few years will be world class.

''I think these two will be the best in the world, probably along with Ronaldinho.''