Specialist confirms Ronaldo needs operation

Cristiano Ronaldo could miss the start of the English Premier League season after a specialist yesterday confirmed the Portuguese winger needs surgery on his injured ankle.

The 2008 player of the year is expected to be out for six weeks and will be pushed to make the August 16 kick-off.

Ronaldo, 23, has yet to meet United manager Sir Alex Ferguson since declaring his desire to move to Real Madrid during the recent Euro 2008 competition.