Fergie Playing The Pundit

It's the Ballon d'Or again. At this time of the year it's bound to pop up in news or even simple conversations about football very often. Though it is a totally meaningless award - journalists award it on the basis of other journalists' vote, somehow it exercises a grip on everyone's mind.

Now Fergie came up with the subject, after being pestered by questions about what he thought Ronaldo's chances of winning France Football's award.

The season Ronaldo had was unbelievable stuff,' said Fergie.

'Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and George Best all won the European Footballer of the Year award, which was unique coming from one club.

'If any of our lads achieved that, it would be fantastic for us as a football club. Ronaldo is a match-winner, like Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez.'

He was careful not to say that Ronaldo SHOULD get it or that he would deserve it. He only said it would be fantastic for United. A subtle difference, and quite different from Adriano Galliani's bullishness: the Milan vice-chief had declared that it will be football's Apocalypse if Kaka doesn't win the Ballon d'Or.

The lad himself, Ronaldo I mean, not Kaka, is not too excited about the whole business, at least I would say that after reading his comments.

'Someday I would like to be voted the best in the world, but it is not an obsession,' he said. 'That's not what drives me.

'During the past few months I have heard it mentioned. For me, that nomination would be a dream come true. But I don't think about it when I get up every day for training.

'Whatever has to happen will happen naturally. If Manchester United are doing well, I will do well. The greater the success of United, the greater the success of each of their players.

'More than any individual title is the feeling my work is appreciated. If, one day, one of these awards is destined for me, it will be welcome and I will be there to receive it.'

Yeah, I know, the usual courteous, indifferent comments which speak of practically nothing. I think he craves this award but I like the fact that he isn't shouting it out into the world.