Fergie hails Ronaldo

Alex Ferguson singled out Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo for praise after he inspired his side to a 2-0 victory at Everton in the FA Cup fifth round.

Everton held their own in the first half until Quinton Fortune rose highest to head home an opener from Ronaldo’s expertly-delivered ball.

When the deadlock was broken United were always in the ascendancy and in the second half Ronaldo capped off a brilliant performance by firing home the rebound from Paul Scholes’ free-kick.

And, while all the pre-match build-up centred on Wayne Rooney and his return to Goodison Park, Ferguson was quick to point out Ronaldo’s influence on proceedings.

“It was a fantastic performance by us. In fairness I think Everton have missed a couple of players and got some young players out today.

“The boy Ronaldo is a fantastic player. The abuse he took today, I don’t know how many fouls he had against him and no-one was booked. I don’t understand this game, Roy Keane has two fouls and is booked.

“But the boy (Ronaldo) is persistent and never gives in. He gets up and wants the ball again, he’s truly a fabulous player,” he said.