By Chris O'Brien
July 22 2004

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is angry at losing Cristiano Ronaldo and Gabriel Heinze for the start of the 2004/2005 season due to international commitments in the Olympic Games. The Scotsman could be without the pair for seven crucial matches.

Sir Alex Ferguson is absolutely fuming that he has lost duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Gabriel Heinze for the start of the 2004/2005 season due to the pair being called up by their respective countries for the Olympic Games in Athens.

Ronaldo has been named in the Portugease squad and Heinze is one of the three over-23 players permitted in the Argentina squad meaning the pair will miss a crucial part of United's assault on the Premiership title.

The Red Devils could be without the pair for 4 Premiership games, 2 European Cup qualification matches and the Community Shield final against Arsenal at the Millennium Stadium. Losing two vital players at such a crucial part of the season could have devastating consequences for the club as United look to build on May's F.A Cup triumph.

"We'd have to give Ronaldo two-months off when he returns so we wouldn't have him until November. It's ridiculous," said Sir Alex Ferguson.

"We're trying to get their feelings on it because we are disappointed. I just don't even think they'd be that interested after playing in Euro 2004 (Ronaldo) and the Copa America (Heinze)."