Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo has dismissed claims he doesn't perform in big games.

He said: "People say I need to perform better in big games and I respect that opinion but I don't feel I need to prove anything to anyone.

"I'm pleased with my progress and I'm happy with the improvement. I'm a better player now than I was a year ago and definitely better than when I first came here. I hope that continues."

"I enjoyed my header against Roma away," said Ronaldo when asked about his favourites goal this season. "That was very satisfying. But I like the free-kicks against Portsmouth, Bolton and Sunderland. It's hard to pick out one. I don't really want to break anybody's record - I feel bad. But I've seen tapes of George Best and he was absolutely fantastic. It's a wonderful record to hold.

"It's nice to be recognised, but if I had the choice of winning, say, the Champions League or the Golden Boot, I'd pick the Champions League every time."