Ronaldo to play on for United

Cristiano Ronaldo will get a chance to put a difficult week behind him against Tottenham tomorrow – just as Ryan Giggs begins his recovery from an operation on his fractured cheekbone.

Alex Ferguson today had no hesitation in naming Ronaldo in his injury-hit squad for the top-of-the-table Old Trafford clash even though the young Portugal international was arrested and questioned by police in connection with a rape allegation on Wednesday.

Coming only a month after the death of his father, this week’s developments are hardly likely to do much for his mental state, even though he strenuously denies the accusations.

With seven senior stars injured, Ferguson is not in a position to consider leaving Ronaldo out even if he wanted to.

But the Manchester United boss insists he is happy to let the 20-year-old play.

“Obviously Cristiano has had a difficult time,” admitted Ferguson. “But he trained yesterday and trained again today and he will be okay.”

The news of Giggs is less positive. It was confirmed yesterday the Wales skipper will require surgery on the injury he sustained in an aerial clash with former Arsenal defender Stathis Tavlaridis during Tuesday’s Champions League tie with Lille.

Giggs will have the operation today and is likely to be out for a minimum of six weeks, with Ferguson confirming the 31-year-old has suffered three separate breaks.

“It will have to be plated,” said Ferguson.