Reds Hotshot Ronaldo Tons On The Style

Sep 30 2007 John Mathieson Reports

BIRMINGHAM 0

MANCHESTER UNITED 1

CRISTIANO RONALDO celebrated his 100th start for the Reds by rattling home the winner to sink brave Birmingham.

The Portuguese winger broke his league duck for the term as Sir Alex Ferguson's side racked up their fifth straight win and clean sheet.

And his strike kept United hot on the heels of leaders Arsenal - just two points behind Arsene Wenger's men.

Ronaldo pounced six minutes into the second half when he capitalised on a Franck Queudrue error before taking the ball round keeper Maik Taylor.

It was enough to see off Steve Bruce's side who paid a heavy price for missing several chances.

Ferguson admitted: "Birmingham were the better team in the first half.

"It was the hardest game we have had so far this season.

"In the second half we had more of a threat and defended much better."

The Old Trafford boss was delighted with matchwinner Ronaldo and said: "He showed great composure for the goal.

"Cristiano has the pace to go past people and took the goal well."

United have only scored seven times in the league this season but Fergie reckons the goals will soon start to flow.

He said: "Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Ronaldo were big threats today.

"Louis Saha is also getting there. He is such a threat when he comes on."

The only negative for Ferguson was the toe injury that will rule keeper Edwin Van der Sar out of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Roma.

Fergie said: "I don't think he will be fit for Roma. But Tomasz Kuszczak came in and did well."

Van der Sar was twice called into action inside the first two minutes. A mistake by Paul Scholes allowed Cameron Jerome a free run at goal and his fierce 20-yard strike was turned around the post.

Then Van der Sar had to cling on to Queudrue's header from Sebastian Larsson's corner.

United hit back and Rooney tried to chip Taylor but the keeper narrowed the angle well and blocked.

Rio Ferdinand came to United's rescue in 17 minutes when he cleared Gary McSheffrey's header off the line from a Larsson cross.

United were forced into a half-time switch as Van der Sar made way for Kuszczak.

But they romped ahead through Ronaldo as Queudrue was punished for failing to clear Ferdinand's long ball.

Birmingham tried to hit back and Kuszczak needed two attempts to gather a low volley from McSheffrey.

The former West Brom keeper then made an excellent save to turn another McSheffrey pile-driver around the post. Scotland star Garry O'Connor almost salvaged a point in the last minute but Kuszczak saved from the Blues substitute.

Gutted boss Bruce said: "A bad mistake cost us the game and we'll never have a better chance to beat United.

"Against one of the big teams it was as good a performance as we've put in.

"I'm optimistic. In the six years I've been here this is our best side."