Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson feels Wayne Rooney can match Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 42 goals in a season after seeing the in-form striker bag a double in the 3-0 win over Fulham.
The Cottagers held United out during a goalless first half but Rooney slotted home from Nani's pass less than 30 seconds after the break before racking up his 32nd goal of the season with six minutes remaining.
Dimitar Berbatov made sure of the points by heading in Park Ji-sung's excellent cross as the Red Devils went back to the top of the Barclays Premier League.
Ferguson told Sky Sports News: "I said a while ago it's impossible for a player to get 42 but he is on 32 and there is a challenge there for him.
"He is capable of scoring in the next eight league games and five possible European games, so he has 13 possible games and you never know, I wouldn't put it beyond him. I was just glad he got to the 30 mark, but we are enjoying his goalscoring."
Rooney is keeping his focus on scoring goals but isn't looking to match Ronaldo's record.
"If I am being honest, getting to 42 goals wouldn't mean a lot to me," he said. "It is not something I have looked at.
"Obviously it is nice to score goals. I want to score goals in every game and what Cristiano Ronaldo achieved was unbelievable.
"But I am a different player and a different person. I am not comparing myself to Cristiano."
