Ronaldo: I've learned from butting red card and refuse to be provoked

United's Portuguese superstar has been a frustrated onlooker for the past three games after being dismissed for butting Portsmouth midfielder Richard Hughes at Fratton Park last month.

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Red missed: Ronaldo is back in action today

And Ronaldo will line up at what is bound to be a feverish Goodison Park vowing never again to fall victim to provocation from opponents.

He said: "I've learned a lot from this punishment. Now I am mentally prepared to tolerate anything my rivals throw at me. They cannot provoke me any more.

"This is a promise I've made to the manager. It will never happen. I wouldn't wish the experience of the past few weeks on anybody and I know I'm no use to the club if I am not on the field.

"I live for football and during the last few weeks I've suffered more than at any time in the past three years. It has been an incredible feeling not to be able to help the team."

United have struggled in Ronaldo's absence and the Premier League resumes today with the champions having work to do to make up the ground they have already lost on leaders Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea.

With striker Carlos Tevez struggling to settle after his protracted move from West Ham, United need Ronaldo to hit the ground running.

They are also hoping to include Wayne Rooney in their squad although the England striker, who has recovered from a broken foot, is expected to be on the bench and could be left out altogether in favour of making his comeback away to Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Ronaldo added: "The return of Rooney is sensational news for us. His injury has affected our game but when he is back we will have far more power in attack.

"With players like Rooney, Louis Saha and Tevez, we will have a sensational front line. People have still not seen the real Manchester United this season.

"With injuries and red cards this is already different to last season but we still have time to win the title again. The points difference is not that great.

"I believe the League will be more open but we have the confidence to repeat our title win and go on to win many more."

Ferguson knows that Ronaldo will be the subject of intimidation from the Goodison Park crowd and also fears some of David Moyes' players may attempt to provoke the 22-year-old.

The United boss has warned Ronaldo that he must learn to keep a lid on his emotions.

"It is a possibility there could be provocation towards Ronaldo," said Ferguson. "Some players will try that, but that is up to Ronaldo to control himself.

"To know what a good player he is and that he is only helping them by reacting to it."

United will be without the versatile John O'Shea and midfielder Darren Fletcher for six weeks after they picked up knee injuries on international duty.