Ronaldo's brilliant header put United on their way to a 2-0 win at the Stadio Olimpico, with Wayne Rooney netting the second.

"It's a very good performance. Everyone knows it's a tough game. Roma played very well, but we created a few chances," Ronaldo said on ITV1.

"I think we deserved this win."

Of his 36th goal of an incredible season, the Portugal star added: "It's a good header, and I feel very happy because I scored the goal and I helped the team."

Ronaldo was quick to praise United's defence of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Wes Brown.

He said: "Rio, Vid and Pat and everyone played very well."

The winger believes United now have a fantastic opportunity to win the whole competition.

"I think we have a great chance. The team played fantastic. The team is more mature," he said.

"Of course, Manchester United want to win this season."

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insisted the victory was far from comfortable, despite the scoreline.

"It's a very good team we played against of course," he said. "We had to defend really well at times.

"We had some lucky breaks in the second half - they could have scored a couple."

Ferguson admitted to a tactical mistake, saying: "I should have put Wayne Rooney through the middle quicker. I waited too long."

But he was nevertheless delighted with the result.

"We didn't lose a goal, which was really vital," he said. "It's a fantastic scoreline for us and I'm very, very pleased."

The one concern for United was an injury to Vidic, who was substituted in the first half.

"It's a knee injury," Ferguson revealed. "We're just praying it's not anything other than a nerve injury."