Ferguson sets Ronaldo new challenge

MANCHESTER, England, Apr 13 (Reuters) Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo faces the challenge of becoming one of the game's all-time greats after agreeing a new contract at Old Trafford, manager Alex Ferguson said today.

Ferguson believes Ronaldo, who has committed himself to United with a new five-year deal until 2012, already has the same skill factors as the likes of Pele and Diego Maradona and should now try to emulate the two South American giants.

''Pele played in a World Cup final at 17, which is extraordinary, and scored 1,300 goals in his career,'' Ferguson told a news conference.

''Maradona played in two World Cup finals, was an incredible player and was the player of his era, ahead of everyone by head and shoulders.

''Cristiano at 22 is definitely getting to the level of the best player in the world and thereafter it will be left to people like yourselves (the media) and every other coach in the world to decide whether he's as good as Maradona or Pele.

''That's in front of him, that's the challenge for him.'' United have nurtured Ronaldo into an outstanding player since signing him for 12 million pounds (23.84 million dollars) from Sporting of Portugal in 2003.

The London Evening Standard claimed Ronaldo's deal to stay at United was worth 31 million pounds and a club record although Ferguson would not be drawn on figures.

''I think he will continue to improve because the measurement of his improvement this year is astronomical,'' Ferguson added.

''From a young lad 18 years of age coming to the club I think in his first season he scored something like eight goals.

''Each year that has improved and he has got 20 goals now this season. For a winger that's quite amazing. I can't remember the last time a winger scored 20 goals in terms of top-flight football.'' REAL SPECULATION Ronaldo's decision to sign a new deal with the Premier League leaders and Champions League semi-finalists will end speculation of a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona.

The two clubs have been widely reported as lining up huge bids for the Portugal international.

But despite their apparent interest, Ferguson insisted he always remained confident Ronaldo would remain a United player.

''He's happy here and he sees his career has risen here. He is playing in front of 76,000 people every home game here. These are important factors,'' Ferguson said.

''He's well liked by the players, there's a good atmosphere about the dressing room and he knows he's at a good club that way.

''In essential terms there was no reason for him to think about leaving really, other than there's always that lure where people perceive Real Madrid as Galacticos. They have this pre-conceived notion about themselves.

''Barcelona are a fantastic football club too, but you can't say they are miles in front of Manchester United or anything like that.'' Reuters PDS DB2242