Manchester United FC

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• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

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Fantastic Ron thrills Fergie

13 Jan 2008 - 10:15:44

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson described Cristiano Ronaldo's goalscoring form this season as "fantastic" after the 6-0 rout of Newcastle United.

The Portugal international took his tally to 22 for the season after grabbing his first hat-trick for the Red Devils in Saturday evening's demolition of the managerless Magpies.

Ronaldo is only one goal behind his total for last season with five months of the season remaining and after the game Ferguson was left to hail the magnificent form of the prolific wideman.

"It's fantastic, incredible in fact," he told the club's official website.

"We wondered at the start of last season whether he could match last season's tally of 23. You had to say 'why not?'"

Ferguson also revealed he refused to partake in any wagers with Ronaldo this season after challenging and subsequently losing a bet with the winger over the possibility of him scoring 20 goals last term.

"I expected him to score more this season because he works so hard. That's why there were no bets this season - all bets are off with Ronaldo," he joked.

"He's been close on a number of occasions, but today he capped a really fine display with the hat-trick. We're all delighted for him.

"Our performance last week at Aston Villa in the cup was carved out of a magnificent defensive display.

"It gave us the energy to go and win the game in the last 20 minutes. It was the same against Newcastle."