Despite being one of the worldÂ’s greatest footballing talents, Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that even he incurs the famous Fergie hairdryer treatment from time to time.The veteran managerÂ’s motivational techniques may have been too much for Jaap Stam, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and David Beckham but wing-wonder Ronaldo says that a roasting from his manager helps him play better.
“Sometimes he shakes me, he shouts at me, it’s normal,” said Ronaldo. “At half-time during games, he has shouted at me a few times, but always to improve me. People say he’s mellowed, but he can still get angry – believe me!”
But the Portuguese star has revealed that itÂ’s not all red-face and flying boots when it comes to his manager. Ronaldo believes that FergusonÂ’s unique management skills help get the best from his game.
“He’s like my mother or my father, he gives me limits and targets. But he is fair. The work that I have done with Sir Alex has been very helpful.
“I speak to him almost every day. He knows how to create a good atmosphere.
“Before every game the manager tells me ‘Cristiano, enjoy yourself, use your skills’. I listen to that. I like dribbling, it’s my style. But I’ve never taken the mickey out of opponents. I respect them.”
Ronaldo achieved an unexpected comeback in England last season after he was vilified following the part he played in the sending-off of Wayne Rooney in the World Cup.
The 22-year-old was close to quitting Old Trafford, but the United management convinced him to stay. What followed was a magical season where the young Ronaldo came of age, showing the world his obvious talents.
Although cleaning-up in the post-season awards, Ronaldo is focussed on more success with his team.
“Last season I was voted Player of the Year by the players, the journalists and the supporters,” Ronaldo told Zoo magazine. “You don’t get that kind of unanimity without having a great season. It is a reward for all my hard work and means I reached my target.
“But an individual trophy will never be as strong as one you share with your team mates, even though it remains a great joy. I am proud of what I did.”