Ronaldo can ride out the storm - O'Shea

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo is strong enough to ride out any storm over his part in England's World Cup exit, according to team-mate John O'Shea.

Ronaldo faces his first premier league fixture away from Old Trafford since the dismissal of Wayne Rooney and England's quarter-final defeat to Portugal when United play at Charlton Athletic tonight.

As well as scoring the decisive penalty, the Portugal international was involved in Rooney's sending-off and despite the pair burying the hatchet since then, Ronaldo may still be targeted by some supporters of rival clubs.

Ronaldo, who was linked with a summer move to Spain, was booed in a pre-season game and when Fulham lost at United on Sunday but O'Shea said the 21-year-old could handle any further criticism.

"I think he is up to the test. I think he will thrive on it," he told reporters. "You have seen some of the goals he scores. I see how good he is looking in training and I saw how good he was at the World Cup.

"I have no fears about him whatsoever. It has always been the case where some players have been targeted after certain things.

"It seems to spur them on. The more they boo him, the better it will be for us. Soon enough people will realise it will be better to leave him alone... then I am sure it will die off."

"Ronaldo has the support of everyone in our dressing room so there are no worries there," he added.

Ronaldo scored on Sunday as United enjoyed their biggest opening day win in more than 100 years by beating Fulham 5-1.

Alex Ferguson's side now face trips to Charlton and then Watford before the break for international games.

"Nine points would make a statement. That is the aim for the three games," said O'Shea.