United stars 'rapped Ronaldo' for derby tantrum

Senior Manchester United players reportedly reprimanded Cristiano Ronaldo following the World Player of the Year's temper tantrum during Sunday's derby at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo showed his dissent towards Sir Alex Ferguson and United backroom staff after being substituted after an hour of the 2-0 win over Manchester City - with the game seemingly won.

Ferguson has refused to comment in public but Ronaldo's antics have drawn strong criticism from pundits and fans and it is believed the United forward's team-mates also made their displeasure clear to the 24-year-old. A club source told The Sun: 'A number were unhappy sbout Ronaldo's behaviour and told him so.

'A lot of these players have grown up with Alex Ferguson as their manager and don't like seeing anyone show him disrespect.'

Ronaldo is expected to be in the United team to face Wigan at the JJB Stadium tonight but Latics boss Steve Bruce, a former Red Devil, has told him he would be mad to leave Old Trafford.

Ronaldo is again being linked with a transfer to Real Madrid but Bruce said: 'Once you leave Old Trafford you find it very difficult.

'Not many have gone on to do well elsewhere, whether they have been a reserve or have been there ten years. It's very difficult to adjust.'

Gerrard claims Writers' prize

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been voted the 2009 Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association.

The 28-year-old England international topped the poll of journalists ahead of Manchester United duo Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney to win the prestigious accolade, which has been running since 1948.

Gerrard, who has led the Reds' challenge to United for the Barclays Premier League title, will receive his award at the FWA's gala dinner at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on May 29. Chairman of the FWA Steve Bates, chief football writer for The People, said: "Steven's performances this season have been of the highest quality.

"His drive and desire have underpinned Liverpool's Premier League title challenge and ensured a tight finish to the season.

"Steven is clearly in his prime and quite rightly rated one of the finest midfield players of his generation, and the FWA are delighted to honour his contribution to club and country."

Tevez adviser won't rule out Liverpool or City move

Carlos Tevez adviser Kia Joorabchian has refused to rule out the possibility of the Argentina striker signing for one of Manchester United's biggest rivals Liverpool or Manchester City this summer.

Tevez has already admitted he expects to leave Old Trafford at the end of the month following the end of his two-year loan, despite being a big favourite with the fans.

United are unwilling to pay the estimated £22million needed to turn the loan deal into a permanent one and Premier League rivals Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have all been linked with the player – as have Italian giants AC Milan and Spanish champions Real Madrid.

Joorabchian admitted Tevez's preference is to stay in England after successful spells at West Ham and United and that playing in the Champions League will not be a deciding factor – meaning mega-rich Manchester City are in the running to sign the player.

'Everyone wants to play in the biggest competition they can and the Champions League is the biggest, but Carlos is not the kind of person that says I have to play for this club in this situation,' Joorabchian told Sky Sports.

'What he wants to do is to go to a club that has a real ambition to be champions of England and champions of Europe.

'He would have to go to a rival to achieve that target but he also understands that it is not in his control.'

When asked specifically about the chances of Tevez signing for City, Joorabchian added: 'I don't want to direct (speculation by) saying it is going to be Liverpool, City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Everton, Tottenham, Milan, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus.'

Joorabchian did admit the player is likely to leave Old Trafford through after the club failed to offer him a new deal.

'He feels there is a very big chance that his time has come to an end and it is time to move on,' he added.

'He loved his time there, he mentioned that, and the glory he has had there has been very special to him.

'But the fact that they have not offered him a contract or made any effort to sign him up means that he probably has to move on and think about his own future.'

And the player's agent Adrian Ruocco added: 'On May 31, he will have no club and no contract. I don't know why, but Manchester (United) have not asked for any renewal (of the loan) nor signing him for next season.

'The directors and the coach do not seem to want him, while on the other hand fans love him.'