Ferguson baffled by Pizarro claim

SOCCER:ALEX FERGUSON put up a robust defence of Cristiano Ronaldo last night, saying he was bewildered by the accusations of Roma's David Pizarro that the Manchester United player did "spiteful things" to humiliate his opponents.

"As far as I'm concerned Ronaldo can carry on doing what he does," said Ferguson. "He's a winner. Opponents can't kick him out of the game because he'll always get up and play. He wants to express his talent and that is why people are prepared to pay £40 or £50 to watch him.

"It might be annoying for his opponents because he's prepared to take the ball to them and show these talents, but you can't deny the boy's confidence and courage to do that. It's a breath of fresh air to see players with expression in their game and Ronaldo will not be intimidated."

United's 2-0 defeat of Roma put them in the driving seat for a place in the Champions League semi-finals, probably against Barcelona. Should United progress Ferguson will not need to concern himself with stifling Ronaldinho, however. The Brazilian was yesterday ruled out for the rest of the season with a torn leg muscle.

Ronaldo may have the chance to shine alone then, not that Pizarro would be appreciative. He spoke angrily of a player who had a "big head" and was "very arrogant". The former Chile international had shown his displeasure on the pitch, picking up a booking for one challenge on his Portuguese opponent.

"It won't worry Ronaldo," said Ferguson. "The most important message to send out is that here is a great player who's not afraid to take the ball and beat men. That's what Ronaldo is saying when he plays. In whatever fashion he does it, I don't care. He is paid for his ability and his expression of that ability. We don't encourage our players to humiliate opponents, but fans want to see players like Ronaldo who are prepared to show talent."

Pizarro's reaction was not the only thing to bemuse the United manager. He also had to deal with a newspaper report that claimed Owen Hargreaves had been unable to break into the team on a regular basis because Ferguson was punishing him for being late for training and team meetings. "It's absolutely rubbish," said an indignant Ferguson. "His time-keeping is perfect. I don't know where these stories come from."

Ferguson also revealed that he intended to fight his Football Association charge of improper conduct for comments he made about the referee Martin Atkinson following United's FA Cup defeat to Portsmouth. "I will contest it," said Ferguson, who intends to highlight Atkinson's mistakes to justify describing him as a "disgrace". When he was asked why he felt he could get away with it, Ferguson replied incredulously, "Were you at the game?"

Ferguson has revealed the club are "not far away" from agreeing a new contract with Rio Ferdinand. He has been the backbone of a United side that has conceded only 15 goals in the Premier League this season ahead of the match at Middlesbrough tomorrow. "We have been negotiating for a few weeks and I do not think we are far away."

Gary Neville returns to United's squad for the first time in over a year for the trip to mid-table Middlesbrough after finally regaining full fitness following an ankle injury.

United, who hold a five-point advantage over Chelsea going into the weekend games, will be looking to maintain their lead by securing a seventh successive win.

Chelsea travel to face Manchester City today and that provides them with a golden opportunity to put some pressure on United. "We are approaching the finishing line," said Ferguson. "There is not long to go now but sometimes it's a lifetime away because at this time of year the nerves can play a part, form plays a part and you can get a shock result. We have to make sure our form stays consistent."

Meanwhile, West Brom and Portsmouth meet in the first of this weekend's FA Cup semi-finals following an almost unprecedented season of shocks in the competition. West Brom boast the most talented squad outside the top flight. The likes of Kevin Phillips, Roman Bednar, Zoltan Gera and Filipe Teixeira are arguably good enough to flourish in the Premier League but West Brom appear to require major surgery at the back if they do manage to secure promotion.

Ronaldinho out for the season

RONALDINHO WILL miss the rest of the season after tearing a muscle in his right leg, according to his club Barcelona yesterday.

The Brazilian suffered the injury in training on Thursday and scans carried out yesterday confirmed that he would be out of action for around six weeks.

The 28-year-old has been plagued by injuries and fitness problems in the past 12 months with local media reporting that the club want to offload him at the end of the season.

Barca, though, were boosted yesterday by news that Argentina forward Lionel Messi hopes to have recovered from his injury in time for the Champions League semi-finals if they get past Schalke 04.