Ronaldo closes on Best record

Stuart Mathieson

January 14, 2008

FINE FORM: Cristiano Ronaldo

CRISTIANO Ronaldo is on course to topple George Best as United's most prolific goalscoring winger.

The 22-year-old's first ever Reds' hat-trick in the 6-0 thrashing of Newcastle takes the Portuguese international's season tally to 22.

That's just one short of his 2006-07 contribution and 10 behind Best's 1968 phenomenal haul of 32 in all competitions.

Best was Old Trafford's top scorer in four seasons in the 60s and 70s.

Ronaldo has beaten the Irish genius's 1971 tally, is one behind his haul from 1970, and four away from equalling his 1972 contribution.

Then he'll have that figure from 40 years ago in his sights.

Of course, United won the European Cup that term and Best was European Footballer of the Year.

But for now Ronaldo is more content that the champions are back on top of the Premiership.

"I am very proud and happy because I scored three important goals," he said.

Important

"But we need to focus on the fact we are top of the league. That's the most important thing.

"The team is very confident and we feel great. We are playing well. It is great for the spirit. It is fantastic. We are very confident and playing some fantastic football.

"In the second half, we were brilliant. We need to keep going like that."

Ronaldo had his match ball signed by all United's dressing room and it will now have pride of place in his home.

But Sir Alex Ferguson believes the winger could be making room for a few more.

"Cristiano was a very happy bunny in the dressing room," said the United manager.

"It is a good moment for the boy. He has scored two on many occasions. It has been coming and now he has broken it. We are all delighted for him.

"Who is to say he can't get many more hat-tricks for us "The way he is going, who is to say where he will finish up. He is improving all the time.

"A haul of 22 goals already is marvellous. We said in the summer `could he do it again?' I couldn't see why not.

"He is an improving player. He is showing more maturity. His decision-making is getting better all the time. His knowledge is getting better."

Is Ronaldo better than Best? Have your say.

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handsomeadam, Hong Kong (14/01/2008 at 09:22)

In terms of achievements he still needs to do better in the chanpion league but he is definitely stronger in the air than Best.

reppick, salford (14/01/2008 at 09:33)

When Best played, football was a contact sport and he had to learn his skill whilst the opposition were trying to kick him off the pitch. He did have a minder called Nobby Stiles. Football now is almost non contact and Ronaldo is a modern top player.The comparison is unfare. They are both great in different styles.

TAKIN, strasbourg france (14/01/2008 at 09:43)

christiano ronaldo is the best player in the world

Victoria Smith (14/01/2008 at 09:50)

Why do people have to always compare players. Best and Ronaldo play in different era's so lets just say they are both one of the best in their era and to use a quote by the late George Best when talking about Ronaldo being the new Best "This is the 1st time its a compliment to me"

Colin Bell's Codpiece, Manchester (14/01/2008 at 10:05)

It is impossible to compare players from now and the past, plus Ronaldo is a one off, who cares if he is as good as Best or not? He is the best player in the world right now and thats all that matters for us.

You'll always get those bitter sthat slate him for diving etc, but at the end of the day (as always) its pure jealousy and every team in the world would want Ronaldo in their team, I'm just glad he's ours.

Denis Law's Backheel, Salford (14/01/2008 at 10:15)

handsomeadam, Hong Kong

What a stupid comment that he's better than George Best in the air.

I don't suppose it has anything to do with the fact that he's about six inches taller has it? Doh!!!

Red Jed, Manchester (14/01/2008 at 10:27)

Fantastic! When's the last time a winger scored 3 goals in a match?

Joe, Malta (14/01/2008 at 10:47)

Comparing players from different eras does not make sense. In Best years, football was totally different from today.

One thing is for sure, Best was a United legend for what he ve done in the 60's and 70's while Ronaldo is becoming a United legend in the making

mick the red fireman, middleton (14/01/2008 at 10:55)

You can not compare players from differant era's ,the new George Best, the new Duncan Edwards, the new Bobby Charlton etc. I watched George Best make his debut almost every game he played and his final game for the reds and he was a one off he was in my opinion along with Pele the two greatest footballers that ever lived. Ronalado is getting there but he has a long way to go, in two or three years time we can look back and compare, in the mean time lets sit back and enjoy the wonderful skills of the BOY RONALDO

Denis Law's Backheel, Salford (14/01/2008 at 11:04)

CB'S Codpiece

Utter nonsense to say that he's the best player in the world when the official FIFA world's best is Kaka.

Get yer facts right matey!

Macca, Cornwall (14/01/2008 at 11:08)

This boy could go on to be the greatest player EVER at the way he is going. I personally feel he is better than Ronaldinho was a couple of seasons ago in his peak, and he is not far off Zidanes class.

Colin Bell's Codpiece, Manchester (14/01/2008 at 11:13)

Oi Backheel fella!!

Do you want me to embarrass you with stats?

16 league goals from 13 starts is one you can mull ove whilst you sup your pint of bitter!!

We all know Kaka only won that poll (yes, POLL, y'know? different peoples opinions?) because Milan won the Champions League. Last season Ronaldo's goals and assists were more than Kaka's and Messi's put together, this is fact.

There is noone better than Ronaldo at this moment in time.

TMUF, Manchester (14/01/2008 at 11:22)

DLBH, I think everyone would agree that in the last 12 months, there hasnt been a better player, I think even Kaka would agree with that.

You only have to look at the contributions each player has made in EVERY competition for club and country and by far and away Ronaldo has clearly been the best.

This season he is top scorer in BOTH the Prem and CL. You cannot compare two different eras as there are so many variables that have to be taken into account, like the less physical nature as well as the improvement in defenders and goal keepers.

Personally I think it is more difficult now to be a winger and Ronaldo will be along the all time greats in the game.

Denis Law's Backheel, Salford (14/01/2008 at 11:23)

Red Jed

The answer to your question regarding when was the last time a winger scored in a match;

Little 11 year old Timmy Scroggins is a winger for Frimlington Rovers youth team and he scored 6 yesterday.

I trust that this will put your mind at rest.

mick the red fireman, middleton (14/01/2008 at 11:46)

To Denis Law's back heel you would not know a decent footballer if he come and sat on your knee, you bitters voted a half decent footballer Colin Bell the greatest player in your history ( sorry you dont have one ) and voted the greatest ever goal by a Man City player scored by Paul Dickov in a third division game how sad.

RCH, Salford (14/01/2008 at 11:50)

If Ronaldo had faced the comedy act of Evra and Heinze that night at OT in the Champions League(or at the San siro) I'm sure he would of looked just as impressive as Kaka;) Look at the record this lad is producing week in week out for club and country just like George he is Special and that is why he's mentioned in the same breath as Best and co. Frightening thing is he's not even close to hitting his peak yet! Nice to see the brain dead contingent from the blue side are embarrassing themselves as usual.

Mukena A. Shalala (14/01/2008 at 12:05)

You people amaze me, the article is talking of Ronny closing on Best's record of goals and it has nothing to do with the players' attributes including skill and stamina and consistency. Numbers are numbers and though they are from different eras, number of goals remain number of goals. That is why Ronaldo of Brazil set a new record of goals scored at the World Cup.

On the best player in the world, simply because there are FIFA awards doesn't mean someone cannot come up with his own Best Player in the World. Learn to embrace diversity. On current form, Ronaldo is the best player in the World and so long as Man Utd does very well this year, CR7 will the FIFA's World's Best too.

VALTINHO, LISBON (14/01/2008 at 12:36)

Feels almost the same as comparing Figo with Eusebio.
Both great but from different eras.
I believe that Ronaldo will be happy to be between the best ever in the world and surelly between the best ever at United. He is just 22 and has plenty of time to achieve Zidane's. Figo's ,Best's and a few others greatness. Let's hope that his career go as far as Figo: 34 years old and still fantastic plus almost no injuries in his career.

Denis Law's Backheel, Salford (14/01/2008 at 12:40)

mick the red fireman, middleton

How bitter are you to say that Colin Bell was only a half decent player?

Try reading what Bert Charlton or Matt Busby thought of him as a player you sad, bitter muppet and acknowledge class.

Best was class and the ladyboy is class when he's not diving and I can respect that but you're so bitter that you cannot see beyond your red tinted glasses. You're the type that embarrasses your own fans.

Barry Reynolds (14/01/2008 at 13:02)

You cannot compare the greats of the modern game to those of years gone by.

The style of play, the technological advances in both footwear and ball structure have made it impossible to compare suitably.

In terms of importance and brilliance that is the only comparison available.

Best was the greatest of his era, and Ronaldo is doing likewise in his.

Timeflies (14/01/2008 at 13:13)

i feel that best had more of a cutting edge to his play than the step over king has.

Duncan, London (14/01/2008 at 13:29)

For me Ronaldo is the best in the world. He is now harnessing the natural skills he possesses and reaping the rewards. Astonishingly he is getting better. I only hope that we can give him a champions league medal or two in the next couple of years. Not sure why the bitter is arguing. Last I looked this was a red thread.

Gerry, Glastonbury (14/01/2008 at 13:39)

I hope Ronnie goes on and has a full and glittering career? George lost years from his career by being an idiot with with boooze and women. It was possibly the biggest waste of talent ever. He could have achieved so much more.
Ronnie looks to be quite level headed, so hopefully he'll achieve everything he's capable of.

red (14/01/2008 at 13:48)

Let hope Ronaldo stays at united. i believe in 2years we will see another one by the name of NANI.just think the two of them constantley playing left and right. there is a lot more to come yet and i will be there to see it

ted knott, droylsden (14/01/2008 at 14:09)

Its amazing how some peoples opinions change.Not so long ago we were reading comments such as "he should never be allowed to wear a United shirt ever again" --"he should be put on the first available plane back to Portugal" -- " "all he is is a showboating CHEAT" - remember? during the last World Cup he made Rooney look an ass but you were all wanting him out of Old Trafford.Now he is your one and only decent player the rest aren't that good and take him out of the team and you'll see where United end up Hmmmm a few places down the table thats what! BUThe still is a cheat in the eyes of many many football fans diving to get a decision - HOW DISPICABLE he is but the United fans with MORE FACES THAN THE TOWN HALL CLOCK are now adoring him - IT BEGGARS BELIEF!by the way Georgie Best scored most of his goals from open play not from free kicks and penalties that weren't fouls anyway and please note the number of deflected goals as well - RONALDO IS A MYTH AS WELL AS A CHEAT!

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