London, Dec. 31 : Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson is seriously considering allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to return to Portugal to recharge his batteries before the team's Barclays Premier League showdown with Chelsea on January 11.

Ronaldo has cut a snarling, fractious figure in recent weeks, having been involved in a series of altercations with opponents, but the idea of a short break is regarded at Old Trafford as a routine course of action from which the winger might benefit.

According to The Sun, Ferguson has often given his younger overseas players dispensation to return briefly to their homeland during the winter months, with Anderson and Carlos Tévez back in Brazil and Argentina respectively this week, and now would appear the ideal time to allow Ronaldo a brief rest.

Ronaldo could be said to be in need of a change of environment, having struggled for his best form in recent weeks and he has also been involved in a succession of spats with opponents. (ANI)