Happy 40th: Ronaldo joins greats Van Nistelrooy and Law as his two goals leave United with the title in their grasp

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Only Old Trafford legend Denis Law and Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy have claimed 40 goals in a season for United — and Ronaldo's feat in joining them leaves Sir Alex Ferguson tantalisingly close to claiming his 10th Premier League crown in 16 years.

United will wrap it up if they win at Wigan next Sunday, and Ferguson grabbed the microphone after yesterday's victory to tell 76,000 ecstatic Old Trafford fans: 'Enjoy yourselves there next weekend."

Ferguson also raved about double Footballer of the Year Ronaldo. "His goal record is phenomenal, and 90 per cent of the time he has been playing as a wide player," said the manager.

"The boy is developing all the time. He also showed his courage when he took a terrible tackle and came back. That's a great signal to anyone who wants to kick him out of the game."

Ronaldo struck twice inside 24 minutes — the second bouncing off his thigh — to take his Premier League tally to 30, a milestone which saw a local bookmaker make a £50,000 donation to Manchester Children's Hospital.

Carlos Tevez and Michael Carrick sealed the points and because of their vastly superior goal difference, United will effectively be champions if Chelsea lose at Newcastle on Monday.