Benfica 'won't target' Ronaldo

Fernando Santos has said Benfica will give Cristiano Ronaldo no special treatment.

Benfica must win at Old Trafford in order to qualify for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League and eliminate United from the competition.

Santos recognises that Ronaldo is the danger man for the Premiership side and he is hoping to keep the winger quiet, but he has not formulated any specific plans.

"We know Cristiano can change a match on his own because he is so difficult to play against," said Santos.

"There will be no special treatment for him but we need to try and keep the ball away from him and defend well when he does have it."

Benfica warmed up for their trip to Manchester with victory over Sporting Lisbon last Friday, but Santos knows his side face a stern test and have to raise their game.

He is also aware that Benfica's decisive victory over United in last season's group stage will count for little this time around.

"Manchester United are much stronger this year than last, so what happened 12 months ago will have no bearing on this result," he said.

"If we are to beat them, we must play better than we did on Friday in terms of concentration, determination and organisation."