London, Oct 21 : Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson will axe Cristiano Ronaldo for the Champions League clash with Celtic.

The Manchester United boss fears the winger's early return from an ankle operation has left him drained.

"The adrenalin can carry you through the one game, but then the form dips a little bit. When players have been out for so long there is a little response to playing all the time," The Sun quoted Ferguson, as saying.

Ronaldo's body language has not looked right in recent weeks and he did not even bother to celebrate his goal in Saturday's 4-0 win against West Brom.

Ronaldo came back ahead of schedule last month and has started the last five United games plus two internationals.

But Ferguson is ready to bring back Nani in his place tonight after noticing signs of fatigue.

Ronaldo, 23, who wanted to join Real Madrid in the summer, insisted: "I am still young and want to win more trophies. I think I am at the right club to do that and I'm certainly playing with the right players."

ANI