Nani 'can emulate Ronaldo'

Nani 'can emulate Ronaldo'

New signing Nani is being tipped to follow in the footsteps of Portugal and United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ricardo Vaz Te, a colleague of Nani in Portugal's unsuccessful European U21 Championships campaign, says his compatriot has the wherewithal to emulate Ronaldo's sensational rise to prominence.

Fellow Portuguese youth international Manuel Fernandes last week sought to curtail comparisons between Nani and Ronaldo, but Vaz Te cannot resist drawing parallels.

"He (Nani) is an amazing player, he's an amazing kid as well, he works very hard and has got a big heart," the Bolton striker told Sky Sports News.

"He got a gift from god which is his talent obviously. I think he can follow in the footprints of Cristiano Ronaldo and I think he's doing it right now.

"If (Carlos) Queiroz deals with him like he did Cristiano he will be a very, very important player for Manchester United."

Just as Fernandes attempted to play down the inevitable expectations which accompany highly-rated youngsters, Vaz Te is adamant that Nani will need time to adapt to life in the Barclays Premier League.

"Nani is just beginning right now, Cristiano Ronaldo two years ago was just the kid with skills but looking to be big, now he's big," he said. "Now he is one of the best in the world, maybe the best in the world.

"Nani is just working that way, obviously he's not the best in the world but he's got all the talent to be the best."

Ronaldo injury scare ahead of Portugal's game against Serbia

Ronaldo injury scare ahead of Portugal's game against Serbia

Ronaldo injury concern for Portugal

A heel injury picked up in training has left Cristiano Ronaldo a doubt for Portugal's Euro 2008 qualifier against Serbia on Wednesday.

The Manchester United winger collided with an opponent during a practice match on Tuesday and left the field with an ice pack wrapped around his left foot. He was seen walking without too much difficulty after training and coach Luiz Felipe Scolari will hope he recovers in time.

Portugal team spokesman Onofre Costa said: "At this time we don't know if he [Ronaldo] will play. He sprained his heel - it doesn't look very serious but we are not sure if he will be fit."
Portugal are currently third in Group A, level on 10 points with fourth-placed Serbia. Poland lead the way on 13 points, ahead of Finland on 11.

Ronaldo to stay at United 'for many years'

Ronaldo to stay at United 'for many years' (ESPN Soccernet.com)

Cristiano Ronaldo has reiterated his desire to stay at Manchester United 'for many years', after his influential performance helped Portugal overcome Belgium 4-0.

The flying winger has been linked with a big money move to Spain in the summer, after impressing in the Premiership, but according to a report published in the Guardian, has no desire to move away from Old Trafford.

'Am I the best in the world? I have been improving my game and I'm in a great shape this year,' he said.

'I feel mature. The Manchester United players are by my side and I also have a great help in the national team. But of course I believe I am one of the best.

'I have a good contract in financial terms and what really matters to me is to show my game. It's a good sign to know that I have so many clubs interested in me, but I'm very happy where I am and I hope to stay in Manchester United for many years.'

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon made it clear for the first time that he would be interested in signing Ronaldo, and claimed he would be willing to break the bank in order to land the United star.

'The only way to convince Manchester United will be to put a lot of money on the table,' he told a Mexican newspaper.

Ronaldo and Rooney are Dancing the Tango

Ronaldo and Rooney are Dancing the Tango

The tandem of Ronaldo and Rooney gets better everytime they step on the pitch. Individually, Rooney seems to have finally learned the offside rule while Ronaldo learned the horizontal movement and passing skills.
On a combined note, Ronaldo and Rooney are dancing the tango together ensuring better chemistry as time goes by.
Rooney’s second goal against Bolton Wanderers (includes video)

In Manchester United’s game against Bolton Wanderers, Ronaldo and Rooney engineered a goal giving them a 2 - 0 lead.
Ronaldo cleared the ball from a Bolton attack fueling a counter by Manchester that ended with a goal from Wayne Rooney off a Ronaldo pass. Ronaldo and Rooney were a joy to watch as they executed the play with speed, skill, timing and accuracy.