London, Nov.25 : Manchester United and Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo has been defended by his coach Alex Ferguson for reacting to the abuse dished out to him by Stoke City and Aston Villa fans.

The Sun quoted Ferguson as saying: "There has been some criticism that he could not take it on Saturday. But I wonder how many people would take it when they are walking down the street and so many people keep hitting you over the head with a baton. How many times can you take it?

"Show me someone who likes getting abused, can you point him out to me? A great player is a target for visiting fans but it's not a problem for him," he added.

Ferguson also admitted that he would prefer to rest the Portuguese star tonight but that the player himself is desperate to play.

ANI