Alex Ferguson Soft on C-Ron, But it Works

By: Daryl | May 11th, 2009

Apparently Cristiano Ronaldo can get away with anything these days. Check out his reaction (above) when Alex Ferguson dared to sub him off vs Man City on Sunday. He slapped away the towel/vest (?) on offer and retreated to one of those big comfy Man Utd La-Z-Boy things to shake his head and mutter to himself, well aware that the whole performance would be on television.


I’m sure most fans will agree that Ronaldo’s behaviour is the usual unacceptable arrogance. And it wasn’t really a surprise. Petulant pouting is the just the C-Ron way.

But the big surprise (for me at least) was Alex Ferguson’s reaction. The Man Utd boss has just explained away C-Ron’s tantrum as the player’s desire to play. Nothing to worry about. Any other player would have got the famous hair dryer treatment, or maybe the boot throwing variation that required David Beckham to get stitches in his head.

So what’s going on? Is the Scot getting soft in his old age? Does C-Ron have some compromising photos that Fergie wants to keep quiet? Maybe Fergie’s just terrified that if he raises his voice then Ronaldo will leave for Real Madrid.

Whatever the reason, I’d say Ferguson’s got it right this time. Maybe it’s not consistent with his usual dictatorial style, and maybe it’s unfair to other players that Ronaldo gets preferential treatment. But you can’t argue with results, and Fergie’s decision to indulge C-Ron is definitely producing results.

[both vids via 101GG]



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Comments  

  • Matt |  May 11th, 2009 at 7:53 am

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    The video of the free kick is just text

    Posted from United Kingdom United Kingdom

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  • Ulrik Fredrik |  May 11th, 2009 at 8:04 am

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    There was no water bottle involved as far as I know.

    Posted from Malaysia Malaysia

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  • Tyson |  May 11th, 2009 at 8:34 am

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    How long have you been following United and Fergie?

    Fergie is never one to lose his head and punish his players unless they don’t perform as expected.

    On the other hand if his players are so eager to keep on playing he has the problem every manager on the planet would want.

    This is just a cheap shot considering if any other player did it people would lavish praise on him for his desire to keep playing.

    Not to mention you got your little facts wrong there was no bottle involved it was a blue vest.

    Try watching the match next time so you can see whats going on rather than Youtube videos. Nothing wrong with having an opinion but thats just pure bad journalism.

    Posted from United Kingdom United Kingdom

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  • Daryl |  May 11th, 2009 at 8:35 am

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    My mistake Ulrik. Looks like it was actually a towel or a sweater or something.

    Posted from United States

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  • Daryl |  May 11th, 2009 at 8:37 am

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    Tyson,

    How many times has Fergie fallen out with star players who didn’t tow the line? Beckhem, Van Nistelrooy, Keane etcetera. It’s very rare for Ferguson to tolerate such a public display of defiance.

    Posted from United States

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  • A |  May 11th, 2009 at 8:49 am

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    Ronaldo is just a spoilt, arrogant brat. But Ferguson will tolerate this one until the cows come home.

    Posted from Australia Australia

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  • Rob |  May 11th, 2009 at 8:57 am

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    More pressingly, Jamie Redknapp called Andrew Cole “Andy”! Years of PR Work undone in a fell swoop!

    Posted from United States

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  • Geoff |  May 11th, 2009 at 9:21 am

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    I can’t wait for the book. Fergie tells all about Ronaldo. This will make A-Rod’s new book look modest.

    Posted from United States United States

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  • Wayne Farry |  May 11th, 2009 at 9:31 am

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    As far as I remember, Fergie kicked Beckham in the head for pretending he was injured.

    But you’re right, I think it’s fine as long as he’s delivering on the pitch.

    Posted from Ireland Ireland

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  • Tyson |  May 11th, 2009 at 10:22 am

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    Your completely wrong Daryl there are plenty of examples of when players acted much more outrageously than anything Ronaldo has ever done but as far as I am aware I’ve never ever heard Fergie publicly attack one of his footballers.

    The bs you hear about what went on in the changing room in the tabloids is hardly factual.

    Fergie has a history of standing by his players if they perform.

    The biggest example of this is Eric Cantona. In 1995 Eric Cantona did his infamous karate kick and when he wanted to leave in 1997 Fergie punished him ever so severely by offering him a coaching position.

    I’d still like an example of Fergie publicly attacking or critising a player that is performing for the club or even one that isn’t performing all that well.

    Posted from United Kingdom United Kingdom

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  • Daryl |  May 11th, 2009 at 10:34 am

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    Tyson,

    I agree that Fergie stands by his players, and rarely attacks them in public. But he usually refuses to tolerate any disloyalty. The thing with Beckham may or may not be true, but the man definitely had a cut above his eye.

    A decent example is Jaap Stam, who Fergie quickly sold after Stam’s autobiography suggested that Fergie had “tapped him up” while at PSV.

    Or Roy Keane, who had his contract terminated after making those comments on MUTV.

    Posted from United States

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  • SP |  May 11th, 2009 at 10:35 am

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    i wouldn’t deny fergie’s ability to get the best out of his players eg. Eric Cantona

    Posted from United States

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  • bobby_digital |  May 11th, 2009 at 10:39 am

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    why is this even a story? the british media scrutinizes every little thing… so what he didnt want to come off? when i play I dont want to come off either. The manager knows what best and im sure Sir Alex didnt even think or notice his reaction… its part of the game…

    Posted from United States United States

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  • tim |  May 11th, 2009 at 5:05 pm

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    so i should expect a “messi is the best thing to ever happen to football” post tomorrow?

    Posted from United States

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  • Scott |  May 12th, 2009 at 7:03 am

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    As long as C-Ron is in Fergi’s plans i’m pretty sure he can do anything that might be considered arrogant or childish and get away with it. The second C-Ron feels mistreated he has his reason for leaving without debate.

    I saw that situation as C-Ron asking Fergie to give him a reason to get out.

    Posted from United States

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