Megson: United just as strong without Ronaldo

GARY MEGSON believes Manchester United are no weaker for the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Megson’s Bolton travel to Old Trafford today to take on a United side that have required late goals to salvage results in their last two Barclays Premier League home fixtures — Michael Owen’s 96th-minute winner against Manchester City and Anton Ferdinand’s stoppage-time own goal in a 2-2 draw with Sunderland.

United’s shaky performances have led to renewed debate about the extent to which Alex Ferguson’s team are missing Ronaldo following the Portuguese’s £80 million (€94m) summer defection to Real Madrid.

However, the Red Devils are still unbeaten for nine matches in all competitions and Megson feels the fact other players have stepped up their game has kept the champions as strong as ever. Asked whether he thought the United team had been weakened by Ronaldo’s departure, Megson said: “No — maybe they are a bit different in that Ronaldo isn’t there.

“But they are also a little bit different in that (Wayne) Rooney is growing in stature with each season that comes along, and there are one or two other players.

“People seem to be surprised that (Darren) Fletcher is doing as well as he is doing, but he always has.’’

Ferguson, meanwhile, has hailed Ben Foster as England’s number one goalkeeper — and promptly axed him from his team for Bolton’s visit, in favour of Edwin van der Sar.

Foster has endured mixed fortunes since stepping in for Van der Sar when the veteran Dutchman broke two fingers during a pre-season encounter with Bayern Munich.

However in confirming it will be Foster’s last high-profile game for a while, Ferguson insists his faith in the former Watford man is undiminished.

“I still feel he is the best English goalkeeper around,” said the United chief.

“He has been outstanding in a lot of things. The save he made on Wednesday was typical of his performance level with us too.

“He is only going to get better, though, and there is no question he will be a fantastic goalkeeper.”

He is evidently not fantastic enough yet, though, for Ferguson to take even the merest second to consider whether fit-again Van der Sar should make an instant comeback.

After a reserve team outing at Everton last week confirmed his well-being, Van der Sar always felt confident of being recalled for the start of a week that also includes a Champions League trip to CSKA Moscow and a showdown with Liverpool at Anfield.

“Edwin is fit and fine and he will play,” said Ferguson.

“He has got the experience.

“It is fair to say he and Peter Schmeichel have been the best goalkeepers in this club’s history.

“With that calming influence he has on anyone around about him, getting him back is important — and with games against CSKA Moscow and Liverpool coming up, he couldn’t be coming back at a better time.”