World beater - Fergie delight as Ronaldo strikes twice to put United clear in title race - Sport

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Ronaldo was made captain for the first time in his United career last night and scored two early goals as they beat Bolton 2-0 at Old Trafford to go three points clear of Arsenal and five ahead of Chelsea.

Armed and dangerous: Ronaldo is congratulated by his teammates after his stunning second goal

Ronaldo took his extraordinary scoring tally to 33 goals in 35 starts in the current campaign, eclipsing George Best's 40-year-old record of 32 goals from a winger in a single season.

United manager Ferguson said: 'It's fantastic. It speaks volumes for his ability and his scoring ability. There won't be a winger in the world who can do that.

'We didn't make a big deal of the captaincy but Cristiano has been looking for that kind of responsibility for a while. He carries the mantle very well.'

Ferguson made seven changes from the team that won 1-0 at Derby at the weekend and has some selection issues ahead of Sunday's home game against Liverpool as Rio Ferdinand is struggling with a back problem and Nemanja Vidic went off last night with what may be a broken nose.

Nevertheless, Chelsea's draw at Tottenham, combined with Arsenal's faltering form, has left United odds-on to defend the title they won last season.

With Chelsea facing Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and yet to host United, Avram Grant's side could yet have a vital influence.

Ferguson added: 'It will go to the wire, that's for sure. Chelsea will be key to it. They have to play us both at home and their home record is very good.

'The important thing is that we have a lead now. It is not a significant lead but it is a lead. With eight games to go the most consistent team will win the league and we are in a good position.

'It was not the best performance but we needed to make changes. Rio is doubtful for Sunday so we had to have a look at Gerard Pique and had to give Wes Brown a rest just in case Rio doesn't make it for the weekend. But they are all top players and we have to trust in them.'

Ferguson once summed up a tight title race by describing a race between United and Arsenal as 'squeaky bum time'.

Last night he joked: 'Yes, it's squeaky bum time again. We will just go to bed and pray that we can do it again.'