Fergie: Stop your sulking Ronaldo

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has ordered prize asset Cristiano Ronaldo to stop sulking and start playing for the team.

The News of the World have reported that whilst Ferguson believes Ronaldo does not always get the protection he should from referees, the Red Devils gaffer is adamant that when things do not go Ronaldo's way, there is no excuse for the Portugal international to then switch off.

Twice in recent games Ronaldo - who was a second-half substitute during United's 2-1 win at Sunderland on Saturday - has conceded possession that has subsequently resulted in goals for Aston Villa and then Porto in the Champions League, something Ferguson will simply not stand for.

"No, I don't accept that he will give goals away because of the player he is. I speak to him about it. I don't accept that from anyone," Ferguson told the tabloid.

"In European football, in particular, you give the ball away and it takes a long time to get it back. It has always been a big part of our strategy and philosophy in Europe - keeping possession of the ball.

"It's really important. He's not immune from that. He always feels he's not getting the proper protection and I think that maybe in quite a few cases he is right, and a few cases he is not right.

"It's hard when a player who wants to entertain all doesn't get everything his way. You can't get everything your own way. He understands that, and there's not a problem with that.

"It's just a frustration that he feels that he doesn't get the decision and he gets upset about it. I think obviously he doesn't enjoy that and he knows he's letting himself down more than anything.

"He holds his hands up, I have had to remind him about that but I'm not getting into what has been said."