Boss backs Ronaldo on diving allegations

ALEX FERGUSON backed Cristiano Ronaldo in his condemnation of Gareth Southgate’s cheating allegations and insisted the Manchester United winger did not dive to win a penalty at Middlesbrough on Saturday.

On the eve of United’s make-or-break Champions League tussle with Benfica, Ronaldo got the chance to answer the criticism heaped on him in the aftermath of his controversial collapse at the Riverside which earned the Red Devils a crucial spot-kick, even though Boro keeper Mark Schwarzer never touched Ronaldo.

Like his manager, Ronaldo feels the on-going discussion over his conduct is fuelled by his part in England’s World Cup downfall.