Ronaldo was pelted with chewing gum as he arrived at the Kassam Stadium as he played his first game for Manchester United since the World Cup ended. He was also booed and jeered by both sets of fans in the stadium. Manchester United played Oxford United in a pre-season friendly.
Oxford United play in the Nationwide Conference, which is the fifth-tier of English football, below the Premiership, the Championship, League One and League Two. Ronaldo scored twice in the game.
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9 August 2006
BOO-NALDO
By Lee West
Oxford United 1-4 Manchester United
SIR ALEX Ferguson praised Cristiano Ronaldo for the way he handled his first Manchester United outing since his World Cup bust-up with Wayne Rooney.
Ronaldo lasted 72 minutes of the 4-1 win over Oxford at the Kassam Stadium last night, netting two curling efforts either side of half-time.
Although he was flanked by security men as he walked on to the pitch and was booed every time he touched the ball by the in the home fans, the Portugal winger did receive the backing of the United supporters and was able to raise a smile as he entered the pitch for the start of the second half.
"It was Cristiano's first game back and I thought he handled it very well," said Ferguson.
"He took his goals very well and he got a terrific reception from the United supporters."
United arrived at Oxford with a team containing nine internationals and security at the Kassam Stadium was beefed up.
However, fears over Ronaldo's safety - last night at least - appear to have been exaggerated.
And while he may not need as many security men he could certainly use a pair of ear plugs at some of the Premiership's more hostile grounds if the reception he received last night is any guide.
He also has the talent to win over some of his critics and he succeeded in doing just that with his 14th-minute volley.
Teed up by Louis Saha's lay-off, Ronaldo produced an exquisite right-foot finish.
With none of the theatrics he produced at the World Cup - which contributed to team-mate Rooney's sending off for England - this was Ronaldo on his best behaviour and he made his mark again after the interval, rifling a shot into the bottom corner.
He departed to an ovation from the United support.
Rooney missed last night's game with a slight groin strain but should be fit for Saturday's friendly with Sevilla.
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* Champions Chelsea beat Feyenoord 1-0 in a friendly last night. Frank Lampard scored the goal.
mirror.co.uk
Oxford United play in the Nationwide Conference, which is the fifth-tier of English football, below the Premiership, the Championship, League One and League Two. Ronaldo scored twice in the game.
--------------------------------------------
9 August 2006
BOO-NALDO
By Lee West
Oxford United 1-4 Manchester United
SIR ALEX Ferguson praised Cristiano Ronaldo for the way he handled his first Manchester United outing since his World Cup bust-up with Wayne Rooney.
Ronaldo lasted 72 minutes of the 4-1 win over Oxford at the Kassam Stadium last night, netting two curling efforts either side of half-time.
Although he was flanked by security men as he walked on to the pitch and was booed every time he touched the ball by the in the home fans, the Portugal winger did receive the backing of the United supporters and was able to raise a smile as he entered the pitch for the start of the second half.
"It was Cristiano's first game back and I thought he handled it very well," said Ferguson.
"He took his goals very well and he got a terrific reception from the United supporters."
United arrived at Oxford with a team containing nine internationals and security at the Kassam Stadium was beefed up.
However, fears over Ronaldo's safety - last night at least - appear to have been exaggerated.
And while he may not need as many security men he could certainly use a pair of ear plugs at some of the Premiership's more hostile grounds if the reception he received last night is any guide.
He also has the talent to win over some of his critics and he succeeded in doing just that with his 14th-minute volley.
Teed up by Louis Saha's lay-off, Ronaldo produced an exquisite right-foot finish.
With none of the theatrics he produced at the World Cup - which contributed to team-mate Rooney's sending off for England - this was Ronaldo on his best behaviour and he made his mark again after the interval, rifling a shot into the bottom corner.
He departed to an ovation from the United support.
Rooney missed last night's game with a slight groin strain but should be fit for Saturday's friendly with Sevilla.
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* Champions Chelsea beat Feyenoord 1-0 in a friendly last night. Frank Lampard scored the goal.
mirror.co.uk
