Fergie lauds Ronaldo quality

Winger sets club benchmark with Bolton brace

Last updated: 19th March 2008

man utd cristiano ronaldo bolton

Ronaldo: Praise from manager

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Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo after the winger struck both goals in Manchester United's 2-0 win over Bolton Wanderers.

Ronaldo, who was made captain for the night, surpassed George Best's club record for goals in a season for a winger by taking his tally to 33 for the campaign.

He has 24 in the Premier League and United boss Ferguson praised the Portugal international after the champions moved three points clear at the top of the table.

"I think it's phenomenal," Ferguson told Sky Sports. "It speaks everything for the player.

"I don't think there is a winger in this world that can do that and that's the measure of the quality of the lad and his scoring ability."

Marking card

When asked if Ronaldo is the best on the planet, Ferguson replied: "I think he's making all the headlines for himself with his performances and goals are telling you that.

"I said last year he was the best player in the world, but he didn't win it because Kaka did, quite rightly, when you've won the European Cup because that's the marking card for the great players.

"You hope Ronaldo this year is challenging for that by winning the European Cup for us."

Ferguson made seven changes from the team which started against Derby County at the weekend and he was happy to see his decision pay dividends.

Ticking over

He added: "I thought maybe we relaxed too much. When we played with some speed and real penetration, we were a real threat and could have scored a few goals that way.

"Credit to Bolton. They are fighting for their lives and they showed that. I thought they played some good football at times and probably deserved better than they got.

"The important thing for us was to win the game. We made some changes, we felt it was needed.

"It has worked for us in that respect and I'm very, very pleased with that. Sometimes when you make changes and it doesn't work out, you are quite rightly going to be criticised.

"We have to make changes to keep everyone ticking over and we are pleased with three points. Some of the performances were good and others looked as if they needed a game."