Carvalho: Ronaldo could bottle it
by Toby Davis, 09 May 2008
Ricardo Carvalho believes Cristiano Ronaldo could choke under the pressure of Sunday’s Premier League showdown.
United face Wigan knowing that victory will almost certainly hand them the title while Chelsea take on Bolton at Stamford Bridge hoping Sir Alex Ferguson's side slip up.
But with everything still to play for, Carvalho has begun the mind games by claiming his international team-mate might not handle the pressure of a title-day decider.
Carvalho said in The Mirror: "They will have more pressure on them this Sunday than us because nearly everyone believes the title is already United's.
"But miracles do happen. I am just hoping Wigan take all three points and that leaves us to beat Bolton.
"Cristiano is their big star but he is human too and he could fail under all the expectation.”
The Chelsea defender was also full of praise for Steve Bruce, labelling the Wigan boss a ‘top professional coach’.
He added: "I am convinced we will beat Bolton, so the key to the title will be at Wigan.
"I feel certain we will see a proper match at Wigan and that Manchester United will suffer problems.
"Even so, I would have preferred different opponents for United. Tougher ones. But you could not predict a last day situation like this.
"Steve Bruce is a legend at Old Trafford. But he is a professional coach and I believe he will not want to lose at home on the final day."
Having clawed their way back into the title race, Carvalho is not happy that The Premier League may be decided on goal difference.
United have found the net many more times than Chelsea this season and should the sides finish level on points, The Red Devils would be crowned champions.
He added: "That would be a pain. To really resolve the sporting issue perhaps there should be a play-off in a neutral city.
"It has been a sensational race and for us to go into the final day level on points is incredible. Many people wrote us off after two months and now we have the chance to win an amazing double.
"The whole squad believes we can do it."