Rooney's goal return has satisfied Ferguson

After reaching the 30-goal mark with his double in Wednesday night's incredible four-goal demolition of AC Milan at Old Trafford, Rooney is not setting himself any targets for the remaining two months of the campaign.

Even Ferguson has tended to be reluctant, insisting his only aim for Rooney was 30, despite United's No 1 striker being on 27 when the Scot last said it.

But Ferguson did acknowledge yesterday that Ronaldo's 42 – an achievement that helped earn him the world player of the year honour in 2008 – is a definite possibility.

"I am delighted he has got to 30," said Ferguson.

"That is what I wanted. But he is there now.

"We have nine league games left and hopefully five European matches, so that is 14 in total. If he gets a goal a game he will do it.

"But I am not greedy. I would be happy if he got to 40."

Rooney, who was not permitted to touch the World Cup trophy at a FIFA promotional event in London yesterday, believes playing up front – rather than in wide positions – has contributed to his phenomenal tally.

"I've been in the box a lot more, I've been working on my timing and my finishing," he said.

"I've played up front in every game I've played this season and that's definitely the main reason for me scoring a lot of goals this time around."