Ferguson sets Ronaldo goals target Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Alex Ferguson is sure his prolific winger Cristiano Ronaldo can set a new scoring benchmark this season.
Portuguese attacking midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo has his gaffer's backing to break the 30-goal barrier this season. The 22-year-old has 23 goals in 25 appearances in all competitions this term. Compare that to last season, when he had 23 goals from 53 appearances come the season's end.
Ronaldo is having his best season yet for the Red Devils, who are contesting the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League.
Manchester United are currently indulging in a mid-season break in Saudi Arabia before returning to England for a Fourth Round FA Cup clash with resurgent Tottenham. Sir Alex is sure that Ronaldo can record a record tally this year, starting with the 30 goal target and then gunning for 30 league goals.
He currently has 17 Premiership goals, but the Scot thinks that haul could be beyond even Ronaldo.
"With Ronaldo having scored 23 goals already, there is the potential for him to score 30 this season without question," the wily gaffer insisted.
"He is not that far off and he has a strong chance of doing that. I'm not sure that he is capable of scoring 30 league goals, though. I think that is a different matter entirely. Achieving that would be more difficult and I don't think that it will happen.
"It is a big ask, but if he does manage it, I'll pay him more money!"
Meanwhile, former Bayern Munich man Owen Hargreaves is keen to bolster the United midfield. The midfield anchorman is hoping for a run of fitness and form, having recently returned from a series of injury niggles to help beat Reading last weekend.
"The game against Reading was the best and strongest I have felt in weeks," said the England midfielder.
"It was good to be back. I feel positive and optimistic now. I'm looking forward to the next three of four months because I think Manchester United can have a fabulous season. I want to play every game."
