Ferguson defends red-carded Ronaldo

ALEX FERGUSON leapt to the defence of Cristiano Ronaldo after the Manchester United forward was controversially sent off during his side’s derby victory at Eastlands.

Wayne Rooney’s first half goal was enough to secure a hard-fought win for United and enable them to close the gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea and Liverpool to five points.

Rooney will take the headlines for his 100th club goal, but Ronaldo’s dismissal in the 68th minute by referee Howard Webb was also a talking point.