Is it time to axe Ronaldo the passenger?

So then we the fans can now turn our attention to on the field matters, because the pantomime that is international football is over, so awake from your snooze-fest and prepare for the real action this weekend.

Everyone is wondering if United will bounce back and get back to winning ways against Aston Villa after two humbling league defeats in a row. During the mini hiatus, I have personally been taking soundings from several respected time-served Reds and their prognosis for the remainder of the current season is awful, but I'm not going to put a downer on our chances of coming good again - so for now at least, I am going to put my faith the wizard's ability to invoke the expected response from United - I refer to Fergie.

After the Liverpool defeat Fergie said that United would bounce back - because we always do - well now is the time for the players to stand up and be counted. Ronaldo needs to be told that the team cannot carry passengers, which is what the World Player of the Year has been in the last two games; Fergie has to tell Ronaldo to start working or else bench him.

Meanwhile, any United fans looking for a cheap flight to Porto for the Champions League quarter final might be interested to learn that BMI have announced they have places for 148 fans, the flight leaves Manchester on the day of the game (14.04.09) at 08.30 and returns at 0115 the following morning. Prices start at just £146.99 including all taxes - book your cheap BMI flight early to avoid disappointment

Also of interest to anyone who fancies a new United shirt is the Republik of Mancunia shirt competition , get on it quickly while you still can.