Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged Wayne Rooney to beat Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally of 42 goals from two years ago over the course of the remainder of the season.

The England hitman moved on to 30 for the campaign after hitting a brace in the 4-0 win over AC Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday night as the Red Devils comfortably progressed 7-2 on aggregate.

Rooney (3/10 to finish as top scorer) is currently the leading marksman in the Premier League with 23 goals to his name, four more than Chelsea’s Didier Drogba (12/5) with Darren Bent (20/1) of Sunderland further back on 18.

And Ferguson said: “It’s a challenge [for Rooney to get 42 goals]. I was just happy for him to reach 30, to be honest with you.

“But he keeps on improving and he was sensational again.”

Rooney was brought off in the second half against Milan but Ferguson has confirmed it was precautionary as he is still troubled by a slight knee problem.

“He is still carrying an injury, nothing serious, but with a game on Sunday (against Fulham) we wanted him off early,” said the Scot.

Rooney has now scored four Champions League goals after surprisingly drawing a blank in the group stage.

Ronaldo’s 42 goals from 2007/08 included 31 in the Premier League.

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