Ronaldo protected abroad - Ferguson

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Cristiano Ronaldo is offered more protection by referees abroad than he is at home.

However the veteran Scottish boss is convinced the English game will change in light of the serious injury to Arsenal striker Eduardo.

Frank De Bleeckere of Belgium will be in charge for Tuesday's Champions League clash with Roma and Ferguson said: "Without question it is a different style of refereeing in Europe. In Spain and Italy there is far more protection for the player with the ball. That is good."

He added: "The English game is built on real passion and speed. You do not get these games every week in Europe.

"There it is played at a more leisurely pace , then speeds up in the last third.

"Our games sees a tackle every 30 seconds so there is more risk of injury.

"But the English game will change now. It has to after the incident involving the Arsenal player."

Ferguson is likely to hand Paul Scholes his 99th Champions League appearance in this quarter final first leg match.

But the midfielder is taking nothing for granted even though Ferguson has apparently promised to play him should the club reach the final.

On the prospect of playing in the final, he said: "It would mean a lot to me of course but there is still a long way to go.