Portuguese fancy Dan Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the Frey last night and got a decidedly luke warm reception from the Oxford United crowd. The cheating, diving , one trick pony was obviously unmoved as he scored twice in the 4-1 win over Oxford, but was booed every time he touched the ball by the home fans.

"It was Cristiano's first game back and I thought he handled it very well," said Ferguson.

He added: "He took his goals very well. They were both great strikes and he got a terrific reception from the United supporters as well and all in all, he did very well."

Ronaldo's first goal against Oxford came when curled in a superb 14th minute volley after striker Louis Saha's cushioned lay-off.

He rifled a 20-yard shot into the bottom corner after David Jones had provided the short pass for his second before being substituted.

United's fans gave him rapturous applause as he left the field but Oxford's fans showed little sympathy as they jeered him off. (BBC Sport)

There is absolutely no doubt that he will get a worse reception from the Premier League crowds. At the end of the day what he did wasn’t all that terrible, but if there’s one thing that British crowds hate it’s a cheat. I don’t think it was he insistence that Rooney should be sent off that has led to the hatred, it was his actions before the game when he head butted Rooney and then gave him a wry smile. Then after the sending off he winked at his own bench. I for one will be heartily booing him at the first opportunity.