Goalscoring 'Genius'

One man might not make a team, but Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo seems hell bent on single-handedly retaining Manchester United's Premier League crown this season.

His latest two-goal salvo against Bolton last night not only saw United move three points clear at the top of the table but took his goal tally to 33 in all competitions for the season.

The Portuguese winger, who was made captain for Bolton's visit, has eclipsed George Best's 40-year-old record of 32 goals from a United winger in a season, and he shows no signs of letting up in his mission to score 30 league goals this term.

Ronaldo is one goal off equalling Ruud Van Nistelrooy's 24-goal league haul and has eight remaining Premier League matches left in order to set a new club record starting with the contest against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.

While United have not struggled in front of goal this season - they have scored 86 in all competitions - Ronaldo is the only United player to have scored in their last four matches, scoring the match winners in United's triumphs over Lyon in the second leg of the Champions League and their 1-0 win over Derby.

Ronaldo's latest goal heroics, which included another trademark freekick, has seen him lavished with praise from rival managers with Bolton manager Gary Megson leading the tributes to the 23-year-old.

"The second goal was genius," said Megson of Ronaldo's 30-yard free-kick. "I honestly don't know how he does it. Even my lads were talking about it."

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp echoed Megson's view when he said: "The kid's a genius.

"He's built like the Incredible Hulk with skill like you've never seen. He's a special talent. Kaká is a brilliant player but I wouldn’t swap him for Ronaldo - a wide player who will get you 20-odd goals a season."

Despite another star performance, Ronaldo was keen to attribute United's victory, which moved them ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea in the race for the title, down to a strong team effort.

He said: "It is not just about my work and my goals, my team-mates help me a lot in my career. At the moment I feel very good about my form.

"The team is the most important thing. When you win and when you score it is great. I feel very happy."

Ronaldo's goal exploits
Goals (33)
Premier League(24)
FA Cup(3)
Champions League (6)

Feats & Streaks
Doubles(9)
Hat-Tricks (1)
Free-kicks (5)
Longest scoring streak (6)
Longest streak without scoring (4)

# Ronaldo has had more shots on goal (104) and more shots on target (59) in the league than any other player this season.
# He has scored five goals against Newcastle, the most against any team this season.
# His longest streak without scoring this season is four games, his first four of the season.
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