By Phil McNulty chief football writer

Ronaldinho has a colourful past Player profile: Ronaldinho

It was clear that Beckham's glitzy lifestyle had worn thin with Ferguson and contributed in some measure to Manchester United's decision to sell him to Real Madrid.

And Ronaldinho is Ferguson's first choice to step into the breach and fill Beckham's number seven shirt at Old Trafford.

Ronaldinho may not enjoy Beckham's A-list lifestyle, but he is hardly renowned for enjoying a quite night in contemplating his next professional fixture.

Indeed, he has made almost as many headlines off the pitch as on it since he broke England's hearts on the way to winning the World Cup in Japan last summer.

Ferguson faces Ronaldinho fight

He has had a stormy relationship with his club Paris St Germain since the World Cup, appearing to be in constant conflict with their hierarchy and forever linked with moves away.

Ronaldinho is a glorious individual talent who will bring a South American swagger and match-winning quality to Old Trafford, but Ferguson's man-management skills may be put to the test again.

He was a thorn in the side of former coach Luis Fernandez, who never managed to tame a character who was as colourful off the field as on it.

Ronaldinho returned late from France's winter break - and his excuse was not executed quite as slickly as some of his best moves on the pitch.

He assured PSG he was unable to report in time because of surgery to his teeth.

But at the same time as he was meant to be making a date with the dentist's drill he was also getting closer to the females in his home town of Porto Alegre, dancing the night away.

Beckham enjoyed lavish lifestyle

And in March he was jostled by angry fans as he stepped out of his car to greet autograph hunters following PSG's 4-2 home win against Troyes.

Ronaldinho has been the target of supporters' frustrations, a situation not helped by his season being played out against the backdrop of constant transfer speculation.

But one thing is certain - and that is if Ferguson pulls off the deal and reins in Ronaldinho's wild streak, he has a player who could soon make Beckham a distant, albeit happy, memory.

Ronaldinho joined PSG from Brazilian side Gremio in a �5m deal in 2001, rejecting advances from Lazio and Barcelona.

But he shot to prominence last summer with a string of outstanding performances in the World Cup as Brazil reclaimed their crown.

He is a versatile talent who fits Ferguson's bill as he tried to add variety to his Manchester United line-up in a bid to return the Champions League trophy to Old Trafford.

Ronaldinho can play on either flank, and is also able to play off Ruud van Nistelrooy should the opportunity arise.

He is a talent fitting the Old Trafford stage, and while no-one can re-create the circus that surrounded Beckham, Ronaldinho is capable of adding his own dash of South American colour in his place.