Cristiano Ronaldo admits it was an ‘honour and a pleasure’ to captain Manchester United against Bolton

The Portugal international was made captain for the Premier League clash on Wednesday night in the absence of several senior players.

He continued his inspired form, netting a brace to surpass George Best’s club record for goals in a season for a winger by taking his tally to 33 for the campaign.

And Ronaldo has admitted that manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s decision to name him as skipper came as a surprise.

“I didn’t know. It is always good to be captain on this massive club. For me it is an honour and a pleasure,” he told Sky Sports.

“But my responsibilities are still the same. I do not change my game or personality just because I am captain. It was a marvellous night for me.”

Ronaldo went on to insist that the 2-0 triumph at Old Trafford, which took United three points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table, was down to a team effort.

“I am very proud. When you work and the goals come, it is great for me,” he continued.

“It is not just about my work and my goals, my team-mates help me a lot in my career. At the moment I feel very good about my form.

“The team is the most important thing. When you win and when you score it is great. I feel very happy.”

The second of Ronaldo’s goals against Bolton came via a trademark free-kick, which dipped and swerved wildly to leave goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi with not a prayer.

And when asked if he had a name for his free-kick style, he smiled: “Rocket!

“I like to hear people say ‘the Ronaldo rocket’. I am joking.”