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Sir Alex Ferguson encouraged his coaching staff to turn a blind eye to Cristiano Ronaldo being kicked by his Manchester United teammates in training in a bid to toughen him up.

That's according to former United coach Tony Coton, who feared the Portuguese's tendency to throw himself to the ground theatrically could hinder his development.

The idea sounds a little brutal on Ferguson's part, but Coton insists the fiery Scot had the young Ronaldo's best interests at heart, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Ferguson had high hopes for the former Sporting Lisbon winger, who was handed David Beckham's iconic number seven shirt at Man United, and was determined not to see him bullied by opponents on a Saturday afternoon.

(Image: Matthew Peters)

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Coton said: "Ferguson showed what he thought of this kid Ronaldo by handing him the club's iconic No7 shirt when he signed him in 2003.

"But just as important was the gaffer's ability to recognise his weaknesses.

"One flaw was his habit of falling to the floor like a rag doll every time he lost a tackle.

(Image: Getty Images)

"Sir Alex embarked on a mission to toughen him up. Members of the coaching staff were encouraged to turn a blind eye if they saw Ronaldo being fouled in practise matches and small-sided games."

Seasoned players like Keane and Rio Ferdinand didn't hold back.

"These games were intense and no prisoners were taken," added Coton. "Poor Ronaldo didn't know what hit him as team-mates he'd been sharing a joke with him gave him the kind of treatment that was no laughing matter.

"When a free-kick was not forthcoming, he'd throw his hands up in outrage and sit on the turf muttering Portuguese curses while the game continued around him.

"Toughened pros like Roy Keane, Rio Ferdinand would lambast him for being soft.

"It was tough love and slowly but surely, the message began to seep into our winger's consciousness."