Ronaldo has actually reached 101 after scoring twice in Saturday's 5-0 defeat of Stoke City at Old Trafford.

And, after six seasons with the Red Devils, he has enough knowledge to recognise the significance of his latest milestone.

"I feel very proud," said Ronaldo. "One hundred goals is a great achievement. I have 101 for this club now. This is my sixth season here so I think that is fantastic."

After scoring 43 times last term, Ronaldo has reached nine this year, a remarkable effort given his season did not start until mid-September after an ankle operation.

swerving viciously

As Sir Alex Ferguson pointed out, none of the previous seven had been a free-kick.

Typically, Ronaldo scored two to make amends, the first swerving viciously past Thomas Sorensen even if the Stoke keeper should still have done better.

Ronaldo's second effort completed United's biggest win of the season so far and allowed them to leapfrog back above Arsenal after the Gunners' shock home defeat to Aston Villa.

"It is always important to win games," said the Portugal international.

"Last week we lost at Arsenal and we wanted to change that. Everyone tried to do their best and in the end I thought we did very well. We are third in the table now and we need to go on like that."