Ronaldo brushes off penalty claims

Cristiano Ronaldo thinks Jose Mourinho "doesn't know how to admit his own failures" following the Chelsea manager's controversial comments about penalties.

Mourinho claimed last Sunday that "new laws" on spot-kicks applied to Manchester United but not to Chelsea, after his side were denied a penalty in the goalless draw at Newcastle. A day earlier United had been fortunate not to concede a late penalty against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford.

"We all know how he is," PFA player and young player of the year Ronaldo was reported to have told Portuguese TV. "He always has to say something when he is not happy. Jose Mourinho doesn't know how to admit his own failures."

Mourinho responded by reportedly telling RTP TV that Ronaldo will "never reach the level that he wants to reach" unless he accepts "facts".

He is reported to have said: "A player who wants to be the best one of the world, and he already may be, should have the uprightness and the sufficient maturity to verify that against facts there are not arguments.

"If he says that it is a lie that Manchester United have conceded some penalties this season which have not been awarded against them, he is lying.

"And if he lies he will never reach the level that he wants to reach."

United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz was also quoted as saying: "Mourinho has his own style, he always tries to divert everyone's attention to the points which are convenient for him.

"These are his tactics and that's the way he is."