15 November 2007, by Sean Gillen

Ronaldo delighted to hear Ferguson’s “you’re the best” comments

Winger working hard on his game to get even better

Cristiano Ronaldo says Alex Ferguson’s recent appraisal of the Manchester United squad serves as great motivation for the players.

The Scot caused widespread interest in the British media earlier this week when he declared that the current squad is the best he has seen during his 21 years in charge at Old Trafford.

Summer arrivals Nani, Anderson, Owen Hargreaves and Carlos Tevez have all settled quickly at the Premiership champions, and Ferguson named Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney as the leaders of the new generation.

“I believe this is the strongest squad I’ve ever had, so much so that I would be pushed to name my overall best team,” Ferguson said. “That is what I have been working towards. I don’t like to concentrate just on the short term.

“We have outstanding young players led by Rooney and Ronaldo, and now joined by the likes of Tevez, Nani and Anderson. It’s difficult to know where to stop when talking about our important players.

“This is a very good young team. They have great courage in the way they want to play the game. They all want to win something and they have a great chance of doing just that.”

Positive vibes

When asked about his manager’s comments, Ronaldo admitted that it was good to hear such strong approval, while also revealing his determination to maintain the form that has seen him score ten goals already this season.

“It is always good to hear praise from our manager, who over the years has coached several United teams” Ronaldo said. “If he says that it’s good for us, especially the new players. It is very positive.

“I have scored some goals and played well, now it is important to continue like this. I always work to be the best, with the aim of improving year on year on the weaker parts of my game. I’ve been in good form, now I’ve got to make sure I maintain this consistency.”