Award double for United

Manchester United have scored a double with Sir Alex Ferguson and Cristiano Ronaldo named Barclays manager and player of the month for March respectively.

United took control of the Premier League title race during March with victories over Fulham, Derby, Bolton, Liverpool and Aston Villa.

Ronaldo was their outstanding player, scoring the winner against Derby, both goals in the 2-0 victory over Bolton and again in the 3-0 destruction of rivals Liverpool.

The 23-year-old Portuguese, who was today nominated for PFA player and young player of the year, then rounded off the month with a backheeled effort against Villa.

It is the fourth time Ronaldo, who has scored 27 Premier League goals this term, has won the player of the year award.

Meanwhile, veteran United boss Ferguson has now been named manager of the month 21 times in the Premier League era, the first being in August 1993.

© 2008 The Irish Times