Ferguson called off his annual goal tally bet with our Portuguese winger this season, saying “I will not be attempting to bet anything with Cristiano this season unless it is 50 goals,” he laughed. “Somehow I don’t think he would accept that.”

Just over half way through the season, with Ronaldo enjoying the form he is, I wouldn’t rule him out of hitting 50 goals by May. He is having a season which can be described as nothing short of incredible. He has netted 17 times in 19 appearances in the league, scoring a total of 25 goals in 26 games this season.

Today, Ferguson has used a bit of good old fashioned reverse psychology, claiming he doesn’t think Ronaldo can score 30 goals in the remaining fifteen league games.

“With Ronaldo having scored 25 goals already there is the potential for him to score 30 this season, without question,” said Ferguson. “He’s not that far off and has a strong chance. 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 it’s a big ask, but if he does manage it, I’ll pay him more money!”

Since the origination of the Premiership, only four players have been able to score 30 league goals in a season. Thierry Henry and Kevin Phillips (remember him?) have both bagged 30, Andy Cole managed 34, and Alan Shearer has scored more than 30 goals in three separate seasons.

Do you think Fergie’s comments will be the incentive Ronaldo needs to get even better and score 30 goals?




------------
The RoM Manchester United 2024-25 season preview is now available. It includes articles from the country's best football writers about our expectations for the season ahead and our brightest talents, as well as proposed transfer business and which youth players to keep an eye out for. All profit goes to The Christie so please support this fantastic cause.