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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Scott

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.
tim

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

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...
SP

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

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.
Tyson

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.
Wayne Farry

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.
Geoff

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

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

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

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.
Daryl

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

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.
Ulrik Fredrik

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

The video of the free kick is just text