Wayne Rooney believes Cristiano Ronaldo is "big enough" to rise above tough challenges and the baiting of rival supporters.

Sir Alex Ferguson claimed the Portugal winger had been the subject of "systematic” fouling as Manchester United secured their place in the Champions League knockout stages with a hard-fought goalless draw away to Villarreal.

Joan Capdevila, the Villarreal full back, was sent off after catching Ronaldo’s left knee with a wild challenge with eight minutes remaining while two of his team-mates, Javi Venta and Sebastián Eguren, were booked for late tackles on the United forward during the first half. At the final whistle, Ronaldo ran off the pitch without shaking hands with any of his opponents, although he was later persuaded to swap shirts with Robert Pires, the former Arsenal winger.

However, Rooney insists his team-mate will carry on playing his normal game. "He is a high-profile player and wherever he goes he is always going to get this kind of treatment," the England striker said. "He is big enough to deal with it."

United have qualified for the knockout stages with one match to spare and will finish top of Group E if they beat Aalborg in their final match. While Rooney is pleased they have confirmed their place in the last 16, he admitted the match against Villarreal was not one for the purists.

"The main thing is we are through to the knockout round. This result could be good for us in the end," he said. "I'm not quite sure it was one for the spectators, but we've come here and we were probably the better team. We created lots of chances but we just couldn't take them. It was not an easy game to win or to score in but we are still pleased because we are through."