CRISTIANO RONALDO will miss the start of the new season after undergoing surgery on his right ankle. Manchester United said the operation in the Netherlands had been a success.

However, it will be at least a month before Prof Niek van Dijk, the specialist who operated on the 23-year-old, can assess when he will be ready to return.

United said in a statement afterwards: "Cristiano Ronaldo underwent surgery today to his right ankle and the initial indications are that the procedure was successful. . . an estimation of his return to full fitness will be possible following review by the specialist in one month."