Sir Alex Ferguson has branded Cristiano Ronaldo's strike rate as "phenomenal" as the winger closes in on 30 goals in all competitions this season.

The Manchester United star needs just one more to reach that magic milestone and has already eclipsed his total of 23 during the 2006/07 campaign.

With Fulham next up for the Red Devils on Saturday, Ronaldo should fancy his chances of reaching the total at Craven Cottage as he boasts an impressive record against them in recent games.

The Portuguese international has scored seven times in his last five appearances against the struggling Cottagers, a tally which includes a last-gasp winner in the corresponding fixture last season which put the Red Devils well on course to take the Premier League title.