A Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired display helped United to a 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford on Sunday. Ronaldo struck twice to make light of the enforced absence of the injured Wayne Rooney, leaving Ferguson beaming at the options he has available to him.

He said: "I believe this is the strongest squad I have ever had. So much so that I think I would be pushed to name my overall best team.

great chance

"We have young players led by Rooney and Ronaldo, now joined by the likes of Nani, (Carlos) Tevez and Anderson.

"In fact, it's difficult to know when to stop when talking about our important players."

Ferguson has enjoyed a trophy-packed career with the Red Devils, claiming nine league titles, five FA Cups, two League Cups and one Champions League success, and he fully expects his current squad to add to that impressive list.

"This is a good young team coming together," he added. "They have courage in the way they play.

"They want to win something and the signs are good. They have a great chance of doing that."