Sporting Lisbon 0, Manchester United 1.

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to exceed last season's 23-goal tally after the Manchester United star returned to haunt old club Sporting Lisbon last night.

The 22-year-old netted the only goal as the Red Devils made a perfect start to their latest Champions League campaign at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.

After a quiet start, Ronaldo suddenly sprang to life after the hour, arriving with perfect timing to head in Wes Brown's looping cross.

It was Ronaldo's first goal of a campaign that has already been shortened by a three-match ban imposed for his dismissal at Portsmouth last month.

But now he is up and running, Ferguson expects his brilliant young winger to hit top form again.

''He scored 23 goals last season and it is absolutely realistic that he could at least achieve that again,'' Ferguson said.

''We expect him to improve as a footballer. We expect to see the development in his football.

''He has two great feet, he is marvellous in the air and there is no reason why he can't do even better than he did last year.''

After spending seven of his formative years at Sporting, the home fans have clearly not lost their affection for the Madeira-born star.

He was afforded a standing ovation when he was replaced by Carlos Tevez four minutes from time.

''That is a rarity in modern football,'' observed Ferguson.

''Cristiano is obviously one of their former players and it probably reflects how grateful they are to have nurtured such an incredible young talent.

''Sporting developed him for seven years, now we are fortunate to have him for what we hope will be the best years of his life.''

Although United were not at their best, in the end they could have won by more as both Ronaldo and Louis Saha missed late chances.

With Wayne Rooney lasting 70 minutes on his return to action for the first time since breaking his foot on the opening day of the season, it is a satisfactory evening all round for the Red Devils.

However, Ferguson acknowledged the visitors were indebted to the performance of veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar who produced two superb saves from Liedson and Tonel.

''When I bought him three years ago I felt Edwin was going to be one of my best signings,'' said Ferguson.

''I should have done it years ago when I had the chance but I let it slip through my fingers.

''He still has such great enthusiasm even though he has 120 caps for Holland and has won everything as a player.

''It is marvellous for our other keepers that they have someone like that to learn from.''

Sporting coach Paulo Bento, a former team-mate of Ronaldo's, felt the outcome did scant justice to his team's efforts.

''The result wasn't fair and the deciding factor was United's goalkeeper,'' he said, before adding in a more sporting manner: ''I wasn't surprised at the reception Cristiano got.

''Fans respect former players who have given this club great service and I was pleased they showed their appreciation."