Manchester City boss Mark Hughes says Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has only himself to blame if he is barracked by opposition fans.

Hughes said: “It’s not a surprise to me that Sir Alex has claimed Ronaldo gets targeted by players the day before a derby. We haven’t got the players at this club who can physically intimidate opponents.

“What is happening to Ronaldo is a consequence of his actions in the past. He is a lot better in that respect than he was, but fans have long memories.”

Ronaldo was the victim of a vicious stamp by City full-back Michael Ball two seasons ago which left him with stud marks on his chest.

Ferguson said: “People call Ronaldo a cheat, but he runs with the ball at such a pace that any small contact is going to knock him off balance. I’d like to know who are the cheats. Is it the players who kick Cristiano, or Cristiano for going down?

“Supporters scream at him every time he is fouled and referees are not punishing the offender because of it.

“We need referees who don’t allow players to be kicked out of games.

“You’ve got to remember Ronaldo needed an operation in the summer because of the amount of kicks he took last season.”