Fergie: I'd only bet with Ronaldo about goals if the target is 50!

Fergie: I'd only bet with Ronaldo about goals if the target is 50!
« on: Today at 09:26:02 AM »

Sir Alex Ferguson is not interested in having a goalscoring wager with Cristiano Ronaldo this season - unless the target is 50 goals.

The Manchester United manager has lost a succession of bets with his brilliant young star, including last term's 'Scotsman's bet' when he kept raising the barrier for Ronaldo, who eventually finished on 23.

Yesterday's double against Blackburn took the 22-year-old into double figures for the season and provided he stays fit, there is no reason to believe Ronaldo will not eclipse last year's tally.

However, Ferguson has no desire to lose any more cash and will not be asking the Portugal winger for the opportunity to win his money back.

"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."

A more productive gamble might be on Ronaldo getting a much-prized United hat-trick.

While he has now scored twice on 10 occasions, the former Sporting Lisbon player is yet to hit a three-timer and could not manage it against Blackburn yesterday despite the light-hearted promptings of Rio Ferdinand.

"In the second half I told Cristiano, he either had to score a hat-trick or get an assist to make it a really good game," Ferdinand said.

"He has been fantastic in the last few games and is determined to become a top player for many years.

"He works hard in training and you see the results out on the pitch. Long may that continue."

The victory, United's ninth in 10 games, swept them back to the Barclays Premier League summit ahead of Arsenal, who tackle Reading at the Madejski Stadium this evening.

Even though the Gunners have two games in hand, with Bolton, Fulham and Derby as their next three opponents, Ferguson's men will feel confident of maintaining their triumphant streak until the middle of December, when they tackle Liverpool at Anfield.

As a United legend, Hughes would presumably hope for that outcome too and he confirmed his old club have a great chance of defending their championship.

"United are a very good team, with strength, pace and power in all areas," he said.

"Those qualities, allied with outstanding skill, make them a very difficult team to overcome. They are the current champions and they will go close again I am sure."

After building an impressive team of his own at Ewood Park, Hughes is among the most obvious replacements for Ferguson when the United boss does decide to stand down.

Not that Ferguson welcomes the debate. Firstly, the Scot does not believe it is fair to the potential successors for the matter to keep being raised. Secondly, he has no intention of going anywhere.

"Whenever we play a team managed by one of my former players, the subject crops up," said Ferguson, who has spent 21 years in charge and will celebrate his 66th birthday on New Year's Eve.

"It is a little bit unfair - it is almost as if I am being shoved out of the door quicker than I want.

"But I am fit and healthy and as long as I stay that way, I want to carry on."

source: dailymail.co.uk

LoL

50 goals mite be impossible for even Cristiano! Wink

i hope Ferguson stays on for awhile yet, hes a great manager to Cristiano. Grin