Group D: Alex Ferguson has emphasised to Cristiano Ronaldo the importance of eradicating play-acting from his repertoire, after he became concerned his exquisitely talented winger was becoming better known for his diving than his ball skills.

As he prepared for tonight's low-key conclusion to Group D against Fenerbahce, the Manchester United manager also revealed that several of United's established players had warned Ronaldo about the dangers of getting a reputation.

"The part we really wanted to add to his game was him not overplaying things to get fouls," he said. "He has improved in that area because he has learned from the other players about the way we are here. He has matured. No matter how many fouls he gets, he keeps going."

Ferguson is planning to give Ronaldo a 10-day break, maybe this month, to ensure the Portugal international stays fresh for the remainder of the season.

Given that he played in both Euro 2004 and the Olympics, Ronaldo's place on yesterday's flight to Turkey was unexpected, particularly since Ferguson has allowed every other player who began Saturday's defeat of Southampton to remain at home.

"Cristiano has fantastic potential," said Ferguson. "He is a player with great courage and the first thing he always thinks when he gets the ball is how to attack defenders.

"We are very pleased with the progress he is making but we cannot forget he is only a kid. Both Cristiano and Darren Fletcher must remember they are still young boys and the reason we brought them on this trip was to keep them integrated with the other younger players in our squad. Hopefully, that will create a unity they can all grow up with.

"I don't want them separated into first team, reserve team and youth team players. When they go onto that pitch tomorrow night, they will all be Manchester United first-team players."

Already qualified for the knock-out stages, United will field the sort of team that usually turns out only in the League Cup.

Ferguson pointed out they would still have nine internationals in their starting XI but his selection indicates how little importance he stores in winning the group when it comes to Friday week's draw.

With Fenerbahce already assured of a UEFA Cup place for finishing third in the group and playing Galatasaray this weekend, they too will field a weakened side.

Among the unheralded members of United's squad are defenders Gerard Pique and Paul McShane, midfield duo David Jones and David Poole, plus striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.

In total, that quintet have made just three substitute appearances between them, with Chris Eagles and Jonathan Spector relative veterans with seven and five respectively.

No wonder disgruntled Turkish journalists questioned Ferguson's desire, although their probing was met with a typically curt response. "Do not underestimate Manchester United," he said. "Maybe this is not my recognised first team but there will be nine internationals in my starting line-up, we will be trying to win and I believe we have a big chance. December is a very busy month for us, I have a squad of 25 players and I have to give them match practice so they are fit when I need them."

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

FENERBAHCE (3-5-2): Rustu; Onder, Luciano, Deniz; Serhat, Serkan, Selcuk, Alex, Umit; Tuncay, Nobre.

MANCHESTER UNITED (4-5-1): Howard; P Neville, Brown, O'Shea, Fortune; Ronaldo, Miller, Djemba-Djemba, Fletcher, Richardson; Bellion.

Referee: A Ibanez (Spain)