Ferguson: Ronaldo can handle the rough stuff

ALEX FERGUSON has insisted Cristiano Ronaldo is not allowing the rough treatment he receives from opposition defenders to affect his game.

Immediately after Tuesday night’s Champions League draw with Villarreal, the Manchester United manager claimed his star winger was being ‘systematically targeted’ by opponents, who feel they can dupe referees into believing Ronaldo is diving by kicking him all the time.

However, Ronaldo shows no sign of getting kicked out of the game, with Ferguson believing the 23-year-old is handling the harsh treatment with ease.

“I think Cristiano is coping well,” said Ferguson. “Let’s be honest, nobody likes getting whacked all the time. But Cristiano has the courage to get on with it. He carries that mantle well.”

Meanwhile Dimitar Berbatov returned to training after a hamstring injury yesterday but Ferguson is still to decide how to use him in Sunday’s derby clash with Manchester City. Berbatov has missed the last two games after reporting back from international duty with a minor problem picked up against Serbia.