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Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo insists it is impossible for him to maintain the standards of last season but has vowed to recapture his best form in future.

The Portuguese is expected to be named FIFA World Player of the Year on Monday following his stunning 42-goal performance last season - for which he has already received the prestigious Ballon d'Or.

Summer surgery delayed the 23-year-old's start to 2008-09 and he has been criticised in some quarters for his form since, although he was a major factor in Sunday's thumping 3-0 Premier League win over Chelsea.

It has been suggested Real Madrid's very public pursuit of Ronaldo during the close season has unsettled the player - but he claims the drop off in his performance level was inevitable after the brilliance of last term.

And he cited the likes of Kaka and Ronaldinho as superstars who have failed to maintain their genius for season after season.

"Tell me one player who had a great season for two, three, four years at the top level? It's impossible, you don't have anyone," he told Sky Sports.

"Last season I think I did brilliant but this season, in my opinion, I'm not bad, I've scored 10 goals up to now (he has nine in 23 matches), I've come in from injury and people are waiting (for me to get) better and better all the time.

"It is not easy but I know I feel in good form and I think Cristiano is coming better and better.

"If not this season, then next season I know I can do as well again."

Sporting Life / Eurosport