Sir Alex Ferguson has described Cristiano Ronaldo's scoring rate as "phenomenal" as the Manchester United winger attempts to break the 30-goal mark in all club competitions.

Ronaldo, 23, has been a constant threat to opposing defenders and scored a twice in the 5-1 victory against Newcastle United last weekend to take his tally to 29.

Manchester United face Fulham tomorrow at Craven Cottage, where Ronaldo scored a late winner in a 2-1 victory last season, and Ferguson said: "Cristiano has played as a centre forward a couple of times and scored four goals in two games. That is a great strike rate but to score those goals as a wide player is phenomenal.

"It is a superb achievement and he has cast any doubts aside about whether he could repeat last season's total. Ronaldo's performance that day against Fulham was absolutely superb and he changed the face of the game."

Ferguson admitted the victory, almost a year ago, was vital in Manchester United holding off Chelsea's challenge and regaining the title.

"The winner came so late in the game, it was a plus point and a crucial victory," he said. "We were a few points ahead of Chelsea but as you would expect they were plodding on behind us. You knew if you made a mistake it would count."

However, it is Manchester United now chasing Arsenal's three-point lead at the top of the table with Chelsea still in the frame. Yet Ferguson believes he has the squad to cope with a hectic schedule of league, Champions League and FA Cup games.

He said: "The run-in is always tough. If you are involved in other tournaments that can play a part, if you get a run of injuries that can play a part. It can impact on you. We did exceptionally well last season because when we got injuries in March, 12 or 13 players knuckled down and got on with it.

"There are some important games to come. That is what you expect at this stage of the season and you are challenging for the league. We want to carry on our winning form as we are having a good spell and need to close the gap on Arsenal. It is going to be nip and tuck and points will be dropped. The trick is not to drop as many as your rivals do. It is not easy but we have the experience and hopefully the strength of our squad this season will mean something and help us."

Despite Fulham’s position in the table Ferguson knows Roy Hodgson, the Craven Cottage manager, will have his team well organised. "It is always difficult task when you a face a side struggling to stay up so you have prepare properly for it," Ferguson said.

"We expect Fulham to be trying their best and in Roy Hodgson, they have a manager with considerable experience. It is a big challenge for Roy but his record at clubs has been very, very good."

Gary Neville (ankle) and Mikael Silvestre (knee) could be available for the first team at end of March. Both showed no reaction after playing an hour for the reserves in midweek and Silvestre is scheduled to return to training later next week. Ben Foster (knee) is also stepping-up his recovery from injury and is set to play for the reserves next week.

Meanwhile, Ferguson has accused Jean-Michel Aulas, Lyons president, of being "mischievous" in the row over young striker Karim Benzema.

Aulas has complained that United had expressed "destabilising" interest in their player, ahead of their Champions League second leg match at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

"When you are asked about the quality of a player, you give an honest opinion," Ferguson said.

"He is a good player. But we have said the same about Juninho, [Hatem] Ben Arfa and [Jeremy] Toulalan. I think [Aulas] is being a little bit mischievous. We have never said that we are interested in Benzema. I haven't said it yet and I don't say we are interested now."