Fergie sees Rooney matching Ronaldo

ESPNstar.com - Wednesday 22nd October 2008
Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne Rooney is only 37 goals away from being crowned world footballer of the year for 2009.While the Manchester United manager's assessment of Rooney's chances of following this year's likely winner, Cristiano Ronaldo, into the history books was delivered slightly tongue in cheek, there is no doubt the England international is closing on his illustrious team-mate. Rooney scored again in United's comfortable 3-0 win over Celtic at Old Trafford to take his tally to nine in seven games for club and country. And Ferguson is confident Rooney and Ronaldo can once again steer the Red Devils towards glory next spring. "Wayne is capable of getting to that level," said Ferguson.
"Both him and Cristiano were teenagers when they came to us but their progress has been fantastic.
"The only reason we are not talking about Wayne at the same level as Cristiano is the fact one of them scored 42 goals last season. That is why Cristiano should win the Balon D'Or. "If Wayne can get to that sort of level, he is there.
Rooney has always viewed himself as more of a team man, although he may be learning a bit of Dimitar Berbatov's selfishness. Berbatov could never be accused of being the most energetic of players but his economy of movement belies impressive ability. And two more goals - both of which looked suspiciously offside - took his European tally to four.
"Dimitar produced some fantastic pieces of football," said Ferguson.
"The players are starting to understand what type of player he is a bit more now. I always feel he produces passes that mean something. Three or four of them were absolutely superb and overall he has five goals for us already, so he is making a terrific contribution." Ferguson dismissed minor hip and knee injuries picked up by Berbatov and Ronaldo respectively, plus the groin strain that forced Rio Ferdinand to miss the win altogether. All three should be fit for Saturday's trip to Everton, when United will look to take their winning streak to seven. Ferguson believes a victory at Parkhead in a fortnight will ensure last season's winners advance into the knock-out stages, although he does anticipate a much tougher test for his team.
"I was really pleased with the performance," said Ferguson.
"We had all the momentum and the loss of Giorgios Samaras and Jan Venegoor of Hesselink was a blow for Celtic. It was a bad night for them. "I just felt we were always on the attack. The speed of our play was very good and we have to think a result in Glasgow will get us through. "But Celtic have a very good record up there, so it will be a difficult game."