BBC SPORT | Football | FA Cup (original) (raw)

	Ronaldo was outstanding

Gary Neville paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo after the 19-year-old excelled in Manchester United's 3-0 FA Cup final win over Millwall.

"Ryan Giggs and Ruud van Nistelrooy produced some good moments for us, but Cristiano Ronaldo was particularly outstanding," said Neville.

"I think Ronaldo can be one of the top footballers in the world.

"To come with the price tag on his head and at his age, he has been outstanding for us this season."

Ronaldo headed United in front just before the break, with Ruud van Nistelrooy scoring twice in the second-half.

Portuguese star Ronaldo caused Millwall problems all afternoon with his incisive runs and trickery.

And manager Sir Alex Ferguson, whose team won the 17th trophy of his reign, was also keen to praise the �12m teenager's performance.

"Ronaldo was outstanding," said Ferguson. "We need to look after him in the right way because he is going to be an outstanding footballer."

The United manager also paid tribute to the performance of Division One Millwall, who held out for 44 minutes before conceding.

"You have to respect your opponents at all times and never take them for granted," he added. "It took most of the first half to open them up.

	All credit to Millwall, I thought they were outstanding

"We have professional players and expect a professional performance. I'm proud of everyone attached to the club.

"You always set out at the start of the season at this club to try and win a trophy and we've done that. I'm very pleased for the players and for the fans."

Captain Roy Keane set a post-war record of six FA Cup final appearances.

"It is always nice to win - the last one is always the nicest," said Keane.

"All credit to Millwall, I thought they were outstanding.

"The goal before half-time was very important as Millwall had grown in confidence.

"Millwall had nothing to lose and we were on a hiding to nothing. It was about being patient and hoping that quality would tell, which it did."

Ruud van Nistelrooy scored his first goal from the penalty spot and the Dutch international explained he was determined to avoid a repeat of missed penalties earlier in the season.

"I have missed the last one or two and I took this one with full power," said Van Nistelrooy.

"It is the biggest cup in the world and so I am very pleased to have won it."

Ferguson's team received their medals wearing specially made shirts bearing the name and squad number of Jimmy Davis, the United youngster who was killed in a car crash last August.