SIR Alex Ferguson is confident Cristiano Ronaldo will go on to have the best years of his life at Manchester United.

The brilliant winger returned to haunt his old club Sporting Lisbon last night, netting the only goal as United began their latest Champions League quest in the best manner possible.

Ronaldo nodded home Wes Brown's cross just past the hour mark to open his account for a campaign Ferguson feels will see the 22-year-old at least equal last season's 23-goal tally.

After spending seven of his formative years at Sporting, it was a bitter blow for the hosts, whose coach Paulo Bento is an old team-mate of Ronaldo.

But the Sporting fans responded in magnanimous fashion, offering the Madeira-born player a standing ovation when he was substituted four minutes from time, a gesture Ferguson feels is in keeping with Ronaldo's current status.

"It is very rare in modern-day football that anyone gets a reception like that," said the United boss.

"Obviously, Cristiano is a former player - but it is more than that. I think they recognise they have had an incredible young talent here.

Fortunate

"Sporting have helped him through his early development for seven years. Now we are fortunate enough to have him for what we hope will be the best years of his life."

Although United's performance did not come anywhere near the level which enabled them to reach last season's semi-finals, it was enough to guarantee victory in what looks like the least arduous of the three away games they will face in a group also containing Roma and Dynamo Kiev.

But Ferguson conceded he was reliant on two outstanding saves from Edwin van der Sar from Leidson and Tonel to ensure only a third triumph in 15 Champions League away games.

"Edwin has been with us for three seasons now and when I bought him I thought he was going to be one of my best buys," said Ferguson.

"I should have done it years ago when I had the chance but I let it slip through my fingers.

"Even now, at 36, he still has such great enthusiasm. He has played 120 times for Holland and has won everything in the game, yet he still sets such a great example for all our other goalkeepers."

Aside from the win, Ferguson was also able to look back with satisfaction on a 70-minute appearance by Wayne Rooney.

The England striker has not played since breaking his foot on the opening day of the season but now seems certain to figure against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.

"It was difficult for Wayne, having to play up front on his own," he said.

"There is always this question mark about how long he could last but once we scored it wasn't necessary to take any more risks, which is why I brought him off."

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