Cristiano Ronaldo kept in check by Manchester United's honesty

Sir Alex Ferguson believes being honest with Cristiano Ronaldo has kept the winger focused on Manchester United in the face of several distractions in his life.

• Ferguson revealed that the 24-year-old’s high profile has led to his head being turned in the past, but claimed the player has always known when to put the focus back on his football with the club’s help.
• In an interview with CNN, Ferguson admits he has sometimes struggled to keep Ronaldo’s priorities in line.
• “I think that he’s had temptations and I think there have been periods when you’ve seen the effect of it (on the pitch),” Ferguson said.
• “He’s lucky in the sense that people here can tell him the truth and be straight with him and he appreciates that, and he has responded to that.”
• Ronaldo has been tempted both in football – not least by the possibility of a move to Real Madrid – and outside of it, but Ferguson praised him for having the strength of character to know when he had overstepped the line.
• “If it stays with him and changes him as a person then you have a problem,” he added. “Fortunately Ronaldo has good human qualities. He’s a good guy.
• “He knows when he’s gone too far and he draws back in after that.”
• Time and time again Ronaldo has been asked by the media to confirm his future plans. Earlier this week he responded to questions about Real Madrid by saying: “We always have this question.
• “I am happy at this club. I think this is the right club for me.”