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Sunday, September 28, 2008

Fletcher: We musn't rely on Cristiano

Darren Fletcher does not expect another 42 goals from Cristiano Ronaldo this season, saying 20 would be enough.

Ronaldo showed there would be no hangover from the protracted transfer saga with Real Madrid when he nodded home his first goal of the season in Tuesday's Carling Cup win over Middlesbrough.

Given it was only his third senior appearance of the campaign - and his first start - another phenomenal season could be expected from the Portugal star.

However, Fletcher, who scored United's first two league goals of the season against Newcastle and Portsmouth, recognises the need for Ronaldo's team-mates to chip in as well.

"It was great to see Ronaldo come back and score again," said the Scotland midfielder.

"He is a fantastic player and his goalscoring record over the last couple of seasons has been ridiculous.

"It would be asking a lot of him to match or equal that but we know he is capable of 20 goals a season, which is an incredible return in itself.

"But other players have to chip in as well. If they can do that we will have goals from all over the place, which is important."

After opening the defence of their Champions League trophy with a draw against Villarreal, United will be looking for maximum points from their trip to Aalborg.

It is only two years since Sir Alex Ferguson's team went to Denmark and were beaten by FC Copenhagen.

Aalborg's opening draw with Celtic at Parkhead suggests they will not be the makeweights in Group E most pundits expected them to be.

However, Fletcher recognises the need for United to register an away success if the qualifying campaign is not to become unnecessarily complicated.

And the Edinburgh-born star senses a change in the Red Devils fortunes is imminent.

By following up the improved showing against Villarreal by coming within 11 minutes of ending Chelsea's incredible home record, United indicated they were back on track.

Tuesday's triumph over Middlesbrough merely confirmed that belief, even if the match-winning goals were only scored once Emanuel Pogatetz had been sent off.

Now Fletcher is demanding more of the same.

"We hope it is just a case of everything falling into place because we need to get on one of our long winning runs," he said.

"The same thing happened last season when chances were not being taken but eventually everything clicked and we want the same thing to happen again.

"At least we are creating chances, even if we have not been taking them. We would be more worried if we weren't.

"But I am sure the goals will eventually come because we have top quality players."

by espnstar.com/football/champions-league/news

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