Ronaldo double puts a smile back on Fergie's face as United old boy Neville lets rip over player behaviour

Neville captained Everton against his old club in the Barclays Premier League yesterday, when Ronaldo's late penalty was decisive.

But the brother of United captain Gary Neville, who helped organise the club's party last Monday, began the day by claiming a minority of players are letting the game down and calling for those who misbehave in public to be hit with firmer penalties.

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Spot on: Ronaldo wheels away after his penalty sealed the points for United

Police are still investigating a rape allegation against young United defender Jonny Evans, while Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson has lambasted his players in private for their behaviour.

Neville said: "As footballers, we need to look at ourselves. Eighty to 90 per cent of footballers handle themselves with dignity and in the right way.

"But it's a small minority that are letting us down, and the vast amounts of money we earn mean we have a lot of responsibility and are there to be shot at. If you are going for a drink, you have to make sure you are going to the right places and behave in the right way.

"If you don't, let's make sure the punishment is severe so you don't do it again."

United's pursuit of League leaders Arsenal was almost interrupted by a terrific Everton display yesterday as David Moyes's team came within three minutes of extending their unbeaten run to 14 games.

United winger Ronaldo — who did not attend United's party — opened the scoring with a stunning first-half goal but Everton midfielder Tim Cahill equalised with a soaring header soon after.

It seemed the day would end in frustration for Ferguson's players, but Ronaldo converted a late penalty after Steven Pienaar had brought down Ryan Giggs.

United manager Ferguson has refused to talk about the behaviour of his players and last night was merely pleased to see his team keep up the pressure on Arsenal.

Ferguson said: "You can't say it is a two-horse race. December is a very important month. But we are still with Arsenal and we have a good chance.

"Time was running out today and you worry about that. But we kept going at them.

"My experience is that we never give in. We have scored so many late goals in the past that I am not surprised.

"Okay, it was a bit fortuitous. The young boy was back defending and showed his inexperience and stuck a leg out that brought Ryan down.

"But Cristiano composed himself very well and took the penalty kick expertly."

Everton manager Moyes left Old Trafford frustrated but upbeat about his improving team's prospects.

He said: "It was just a moment of madness from Steven Pienaar. I have told him what I think but I also want to say that he was excellent during the rest of the game.

What a trip: Giggs is brought down by Pienaar

"We are still buoyant and I will not have to pick these players up. You don't come to the home of the champions and have it all your own way.

"I am pleased with the way we played. The next step now is to beat one of the top four sides. We are getting closer."

Neville's comments were made on BBC Radio Five Live yesterday morning and were not directed specifically at his former club.

The England international was responding to suggestions from Portsmouth's Sol Campbell that players are having to take too much abuse from fans.

Neville said: "There comes a time when enough's enough. The level of abuse — not even criticism — players are receiving these days is bordering on frightening.

"It's only a matter of time before a really serious incident takes place. It's not as if it's been happening just this season, it's been building up for the last 10 years.

"It's fine chanting abuse about myself or my brother when we are out there, but now fans are shouting abuse about your mother, father, daughter.

"They can shout as much abuse as possible, but if we do the slightest thing back, it's us who are fined. Nothing is done about those shouting abuse."

Returning to the subject of disciplining unruly players, Neville added: "I look at the young kids at clubs now and they don't seem to have the same upbringing in terms of punishment and things like that. There's a softness coming through, not helped by the foreign influence.

"I know when I was an apprentice, I not only did my football duties, I went to college one day a week and I also cleaned boots, showers and cars. Nowadays, they are not allowed to do that.

"I asked a young apprentice at Everton the other day to fill the fridge up with drinks for the first team and the youth coach said he was not allowed to do that.

"I find it incredible there is that softness because young players are being paid vast amounts and they don't seem to be working for that money.

"Too much is coming too soon to these players. For young kids coming through, it is only right for them to look at us as examples.

"Having a go at referees, and the language used by footballers nowadays, is not acceptable. Maybe that's where we need to improve."