30 goals to be Ronaldough!

30 goals to be Ronaldough!

ALEX FERGUSON has told Cristiano Ronaldo he is up for a pay rise — if he hits 30 league goals!

Ronaldo is already one of United’s top earners on £90,000 a week.

And Manchester United manager Ferguson might have only been joking.

But the Portuguese superstar could just hold him to it if he can achieve what the boss thinks is impossible.

Ronaldo has already bagged 25 goals from 27 appearances this season — after an FA Cup double against Spurs on Sunday — and 17 of those have come in the Premier League.

Ferguson said: “With Ronaldo having scored 25 goals already there is the potential for him to score 30 this season, without question. 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!”

Ferguson is not putting any of his own cash on the table after losing last season’s bet that Ronaldo would not get 20 goals in all competitions.

The United chief added: “I had a bet with him last season and I lost, so there was no bet this time around. I’m making sure I keep my money.

“When this season started, people were asking whether Ronaldo could get 23 goals as he did last season. I said ‘why not?’ because the boy is such an exceptional talent.”

His team-mates believe the 22-year-old wing wonder can only improve.

Owen Hargreaves said: “Cristiano can do even better. He just wants to be the best and you can see that in him.

“There is no doubt, he will get there — if he is not there now. It has got to the point now where you would be surprised if he didn't score.” (wow, i see it comeing..."What he didn't score? So he was shite or what?!" Roll Eyes )

Sunday’s 3-1 victory was another step towards a repeat of the 1999 Treble — although they now host Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round.

United, who are top of the League and in the last 16 of the Champions League, will be looking for revenge after the Gunners beat them on penalties in the 2005 final.

Hargreaves added: “Hopefully we will get to Wembley, I’ve never played there.”