"Ferdinand is a great player, one of the best defenders in the world, and an athlete of his quality is always needed," the player said in an interview with sports daily Record.

"Still, Manchester has many good players and there will be valid alternatives to fill his spot," the Portuguese star added.

A three-man English Football Association disciplinary panel slapped Ferdinand with the ban, as well as a 50,000 pound fine (88,000 dollars), on Friday for missing a drugs test in September at United's training ground.

The ban is due to start on January 12, although club officials have indicated they will appeal against the punishment.

His appeal against the ban means he can continue to play until the result of that appeal is known.

Ferdinand, the world's most expensive defender, helped Manchester United go top of the English Premiership on Sunday after a 2-1 victory at Tottenham.

Ronaldo joined the English champions from Sporting Lisbon in August for 12.2 million pounds, where he took the number seven shirt following the sale of England captain David Beckham to Real Madrid.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said he is aiming to give Ronaldo a lengthy break after Christmas to keep the teenaged winger fresh for the Premiership end of season run-in.

"He is someone who knows a lot about football, he has an enormous amount of experience and knows what to do to ensure I will be as productive as possible," Ronaldo said in the lenthy interview, where he appeared in photos dressed as Santa Claus.

"The best gift for me this season would be to be selected for Portugal's squad in Euro 2004," he said. "That is the big objective of any player."