Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that the Manchester United faithful have a new hero to worship in teenage sensation Cristiano Ronaldo.
The £12.2million Portuguese star came on as a substitute in United’s 4-0 hammering of Bolton, and wowed the crowd with his excellent ball skills, supreme vision and precise passing.
And Ferguson reckons that the 18-year-old ball wizard will be a fans’ favourite: "It looks like the fans have a new hero," he admitted.
"It was a marvellous debut, almost unbelievable. I felt his penetration could make a difference for us.
"We have to be careful with the boy. You must remember he is only 18. We are going to have to gauge when we use him."
His outstanding performance against the Trotters capped a fantastic week for the youngster, after he called up to the Potugal squad for the first time just days after his move from Portuguese outfit Sporting Lisbon.
And although Ferguson is usually quick to criticise international call-ups, the Scot is more than happy for his new boy to join up with his national team.
"It is a good thing he is going with Portugal," said the United chief. "He has the chance to talk with Luis Figo and Rui Costa in his own country and that experience will be invaluable when he comes back to us."
And after Saturday’s Premiership opener, Bolton boss Sam Allardyce was quick to admit that Ronaldo's arrival was the pivotal moment in the game.
"His introduction was crucial," said the Trotters chief.
"You only have to look at the contribution he made. When they provided him with the ball, he was different class.
"Sir Alex will use him when he is ready but that was 20 or so exceptional minutes."
Looking equally adept on the left and right sides, Ronaldo terrorised the Bolton defence in a manner not seen since the emergence of Ryan Giggs a decade ago.
Even Giggs could not hide his delight at Ronaldo's introduction, which reminded the Welshman of a great United number seven he used to play with.
"When we first saw him play for Sporting Lisbon, he impressed us the same way Eric Cantona did when we played Leeds," said the Welshman.
"He is a great prospect and he is going to put on more great performances like he did today. He lifted the crowd and the players and there are not many people who can do that."
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