After breaking the 30 barrier with his double in last night's incredible four-goal demolition of AC Milan at Old Trafford, Rooney is not setting himself any targets for the remaining two months of the campaign.

Even Ferguson has tended to be reluctant, insisting his only aim for Rooney was 30, despite United's number one striker being on 27 when the Scot last said it.

But, at a sponsorship announcement for Telekom Malaysia at Old Trafford this lunchtime, Ferguson did acknowledge Ronaldo's 42 - an achievement that helped earn him the world player of the year honour in 2008 - is a definite possibility.

"I am delighted he has got to 30," said Ferguson.

"That is what I wanted. But he is there now.

"We have nine league games left and hopefully five European matches, so that is 14 in total. If he gets a goal a game he will do it.

"But I am not greedy. I would be happy if he got to 40."

The sight of Ronaldo disappearing down the tunnel at the Bernabeu, clearly unhappy at Real Madrid's failure to reach the last eight, was a reminder of how well United have adapted to life without the Portugal superstar.

Ferguson would never say his side are better without such a unique talent.

But quite apart from Rooney, others are coming to the fore - including Park Ji-sung and Nani, who had largely been viewed as bit-part players at best.

Doing so much selfless running behind Rooney in an advanced midfield role, Park scored United's third last night, while Nani created the second with a brilliant pass with the outside of his foot.

It continued a remarkable transformation for a player who seemed certain to leave United, either during the most recent transfer window or in the summer, so ineffective had been his performances since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in 2007.

Now though, he is the one smiling. And he might even make a cheeky call to have a bit of fun at his illustrious fellow countryman's expense.

"Life is good at the moment," he said. "I am so happy because things are going well.

"I felt more was expected of me when Ronaldo left. I knew I could do more. I have done it. I hope in the future I can do even better.

"I am certainly happy we are still in the competition. Maybe I will ring Cristiano and speak to him about it."

On the eve of last night's encounter, Ferguson stated that United's first-leg win in the San Siro had been a 'landmark victory' for his club.

Although you only have to go back six years to Milan's hammering by Deportivo for a similar sized defeat for the Italians, the sheer enormity of the win will be spoken about almost as long as David Beckham wearing a 'protest' green and gold scarf as he made his way down the tunnel.

With the seven-times winners out of the way, plus the team that plays in the stadium May's final will be played - and either Chelsea or Inter Milan sure to fall when the remaining four last-16 clashes are concluded next week, United can look forward to the draw with confidence.

Barcelona are the obvious team to be avoided, whilst there are easier opponents than Arsenal despite United's recent successes against them over the past 12 months.

"You could throw a net over all the clubs and there would be nothing between them," said Ferguson. "The competition nowadays is so close.

"When the draw came out last time, and we were the final name, I said we had never beaten Milan in four attempts.

"Now we are in the last eight and I don't think it matters who we play.

"It is not as if there is an easy game. We have to play one of them and with the performance level we produced last night we are capable of playing against anyone."