Ronaldo and Coppell scoop November gongs

Cristiano Ronaldo is Barclays’ Player of the Month for his part in Manchester United’s unbeaten league run throughout November.

The 21-year-old Portugal winger scored two goals for the Premiership leaders, from a free-kick in the win against Portsmouth and in open play as United beat Everton.

While United ride high, Steve Coppell has been voted manager of the month for overseeing promoted Reading’s run into the top half of the table.

Ronaldo has scored five Premiership goals in all so far this season, and this is the first time he has won a sponsors’ player-of-the-month award.

Jim Hytner, of Barclays’ awards panel, said: “Ronaldo has been in excellent form, putting in a string of outstanding performances on the wing.

“His strike against Portsmouth has got to be a contender for goal of the month.”

Coppell’s Royals, meanwhile, managed a three-game unbeaten run – recovering from a defeat at Liverpool to beat Tottenham and Charlton at home, and then ending November with an away success at Fulham.

Hytner added: “Reading continue to impress in their debut season in the Barclays Premiership.

“Coppell’s second award in three months shows he and his club really are at the top of their game.”