Ronaldo insists his future hinges on the manager
I STAY BECAUSE OF FERGIE
By DAVID HARRISON
CRISTIANO RONALDO and Sir Alex Ferguson were born 44 years and 1,100 miles apart.
But their destinies are entwined to such an extent that Manchester United's long-term future rests on a Madeiran marvel and a Glaswegian genius.
If Ronaldo's loyalty to Old Trafford is being severely tested by Real Madrid's relentless stalking, the presence of Ferguson will be a deciding factor in any decision to stay or go.
Whether it's respect, fear or a combination of both, Ronaldo has made it clear his future is governed by Ferguson's position at United.
As long as Fergie remains in power, Ronaldo is content to remain in England.
And that could see the pair spearheading United's quest for even greater glory for another two years.
300cristianoronaldoRonaldo acknowledges the debt he owes to Sir Alex — not just for signing him but for rescuing his United career after his controversial part in Wayne Rooney's red card at the 2006 World Cup finals.
Ronaldo said: "The boss is the reason I am here in the club.
"He helped me a lot, not just this season but the seasons before. I feel very good at the club. I want to carry on like that.
"I have many friends here in the club. I am five years in the club and I know everyone now — the staff, the players, and I feel like this is my home."
Supremacy
Just days before United's ultimate test, that is sweet music to Ferguson's ears, even if he claims not to have been unsettled by Madrid's attempts to destablise his leading man.
Ferguson's mood of exhilaration will also be heightened by news that Ronaldo, like any great performer, is relishing a stage befitting his unique talents.
"I am the best," he claimed, without a hint of arrogance but with a look of disdain directed towards anyone who dares question his supremacy.
The question that prompted such an unusual display of assertiveness is one that has surfaced constantly during a season in which Ronaldo's goals have illuminated United's bid for a Premier and Champions League double.
Does the dazzling Portuguese winger fail to deliver in the really big games against the top opposition?
It clearly rankles with Ronaldo that his ability to become United's match-winner in the Champions League final showdown with Chelsea is in any doubt.
He intends to be the master in Moscow and hammers out his warning in a rapid outburst of indisputable evidence.
Ronaldo said: "I scored two times against Arsenal, I score against Liverpool. Maybe I did not score against Chelsea but I scored against every other team in England.
"I am very, very happy with my season. I scored 31 League goals. I don't need to show nothing to anyone.
"I win every award. I need to prove nothing.
Excited
"When I hear it said that I do not play well against the big teams, it does not annoy me because I know I am the best.
"This is why I am not angry. I don't care, to be honest.
"Of course if I can play very good against Chelsea in the Champions League final and win the individual award it would be good but I don't think too much about that.
"I have never won the Champions League and I am very excited to have this chance."
Ronaldo goes into Wednesday's final with his future as a United player under scrutiny.
He himself opened the door for a possible departure by hinting that he would not make his situation clear until after the game in Moscow.
But in talking about his desire to improve on a season that has seen him score 41 goals in all competitions, it is unthinkable that he will turn his back on Old Trafford this summer.
And he firmly denied suggestions which have surfaced in the Spanish media that he will quit United because they have failed to honour a pledge to give him a lucrative new contract.
Ronaldo said: "I am enjoying being here in the Premier League at the moment. It is the best football in the world and I am enjoying the time when I play here. It is fantastic to play in the Premier league.
"Last season, the lads said you can't be like that again — not score 23 goals. Now I have 41.
"Well, next season I don't what I am going to do.
"If I don't score maybe 20 or 30, people may start to criticise me, but I'm ready for that.
"I want to have another good season after the Euros. I want to work hard and I want to do my best every time.
"I'm learning all the time, not just because I've scored 41 goals but because I have played very well.
Contract
"I think I have more things to learn. I'm playing with the right players in the right club to learn more and more and more and to make me a more experienced player. I want that to carry on.
"I want to work more to win more titles, more awards. This is for me important.
"The Spanish papers say I am unhappy at United because I have not been given a new contract. It's not true — I haven't said that.
"I think it is great just to be playing here in the Premier League and winning things — and then there is the Champions League final.
"Getting there is great. But the final is not just for playing in, it is to win."
Ronaldo believes his own mood of optimism is shared throughout the United camp and has grown since they clinched the Premier title a week ago.
He said: "The best teams are in the final — Chelsea and Manchester United. It will be a quite difficult game because Chelsea play very well.
"They are strong and experienced but I think we have a good team as well. We have a great spirit and I think we have a great chance."
Cristiano reste comme prévu 
?
.
, être aux côtés de Roy Keane devrait lui être bénéfique. L'année prochaine, soit il réussit à exploiter son potentiel encore bien trop latent, soit il retourne en Belgique ou en Chine avec le statut de plus gros ratage d'un joueur asiatique en Europe (En fait, y a eu pire, mais bon).
