SIR Alex Ferguson described Cristiano Ronaldo's free-kick as "the best I've seen in the Premier League" after the Portuguese's double saw Manchester United return to the top of the table.

Ronaldo scored twice in three minutes as the Reds cruised to a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford.

The first came after 10 minutes when he beat the offside trap and collected Nani's pass before coolly sliding the ball across David James.

The 22-year-old got a spectacular second three minutes later when he hit the ball over a static wall and into the net before James had chance to move.

Ferguson told Sky Sports 2: "David Beckham's strike rate was pretty good, Eric Cantona used to take them too but Ronaldo's strike rate is phenomenal.

"That without doubt must be the best (I've seen in the Premier League).

"From that distance he is going to hit them. No keeper in the world would save that.

"The boy practices. It's a delight to see, terrific."

Ferguson also hailed his side’s performance but was flabbergasted they had not managed to score more than two goals.

“I think it was a fantastic performance - one of the best this season,” he said.

“I can’t believe it was only two. We missed a few chances, but at the end of the day you’ve got to think about the performance.

“We wanted to get back (to the top) - because it’s a tricky part of the season now, with cup ties and European ties.”

Ronaldo admitted the free-kick was up there with his favourite goals.

“I’ve seen the replay and it is difficult. Maybe it’s the best, maybe, I don’t know.

“It’s difficult to say.”

Asked about his technique, he added: “This is my style. I feel great, so when I shoot like that, sometimes it is a goal, sometimes not.

“I’m very happy and proud to help my team.”