Manchester United

Luis Figo has lavished praise on Cristiano Ronaldo, but feels he may have to consider his club future to fully realise his ambitions.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic season for Manchester United and is widely tipped to walk away with the PFA Player of the Year award.

However, speculation about his future has been almost as prevalent as his fine form, with stories linking him to both Real Madrid and Barcelona refusing to go away.

Figo, who played for and enjoyed success with both Spanish giants, is full of admiration for Ronaldo's current exploits, but feels he should think long and hard about who he commits his long-term future to.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is the Portuguese player with the best future in the European market," Figo stated.

"He could go very far, but he will have to pay attention to the club he chooses to play for.

"In individual terms I think Cristiano could win every title going because he has the quality to do so. But equally I think it depends on the club where he is at to live up to his standards."

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo does not believe consistent booing from fans at away grounds will affect his form.

The Portugal international winger is an unpopular figure in England for his part in Wayne Rooney's sending off in this summer's World Cup.

Ronaldo played his first Premiership game away from Old Trafford on Wednesday in United's 3-0 success over Charlton.

The 21-year-old was one of Sir Alex Ferguson's star performers at The Valley despite his every touch of the ball incurring the wrath of the home support.

Ronaldo believes he handled the additional pressure well and does not believe being an unpopular figure on away trips will be a problem throughout the campaign.

"I know I'm going to get whistled at in every game I play but I am calm about it," explained Ronaldo to the Sun.

"I have been through one away game now in The Premiership and I had to concentrate hard on the match.

"Of course I heard it all, I'm not deaf. I just blocked my ears and concentrated on the game."

Alan Smith insists a seventh-month absence through injury has only increased his desire to succeed at Manchester United.
The 25-year-old striker is making remarkable progress after breaking a leg in January in an FA Cup defeat by Liverpool and could return in two weeks.

He is taking encouragement from the way Paul Scholes and Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer have bounced back after lengthy spells out.

“When I return that hunger will be the same for me,” Smith told MUTV.

“I was lucky to get this far without a major injury because football is a physical game.

“You realise how much it does mean to you when you come in every day and are putting in the work after being injured.

“It would be easy to cut corners but you should never do that.

“I like taking part in sport anyway, so doing bike rides was fun.

“My aim has always been to be around for the start of the season and fingers crossed I will not be far off.”

Smith has been delighted at the level of care given to him following his injury.

He said: “The good thing for me was that I had the right people in the right place at the right time.

“The Sunday afternoon saw my leg fixed and in place. You could not ask for more and from then on I had a positive outlook.

“I cannot speak highly enough off the way I have been treated at United. Ever since my injury I have had great feedback from everyone.”

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(Old) First Division/Premier League titles: 15
1908, 1911, 1952, 1956, 1957, 1965, 1967, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003

(Old) Second Division 2
1936, 1975

FA Cup 11
1909, 1948, 1963, 1977, 1983, 1985, 1990, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2004

League Cup 2
1992, 2006

European Cup / UEFA Champions League 2
1967-68, 1998-99

UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup 1
1991

Intercontinental Cup 1
1999

European Super Cup 1
1991

FA Charity/Community Shield 15
1908, 1911, 1952, 1956, 1957, 1965*, 1967*, 1977*, 1983, 1990*, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003 (joint holders)

BBC Sports Personality of the Year Team Award 2
1968, 1999