UPDATE 3-Soccer-Manchester United's Ronaldo wins Ballon d'Or

(adds Ferguson quotes, bylines)

By Bertrand Boucey and Julien Pretot

PARIS, Dec 2 (Reuters) - Manchester United and Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the Ballon d'Or on Tuesday after inspiring the English club to the Champions League and Premier League double this year.

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi came second and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres third in a poll of 96 journalists from all over the world organised by France Football, the French magazine said on its website (www.francefootball.fr).

Ronaldo earned 446 points with Messi on 281 points and Torres on 179.

"It's one of the most beautiful days in my life. I've been dreaming of this trophy since I was a child," Ronaldo, who will be officially presented with the award during a French TV show on Sunday, told France Football.

Ronaldo is the third Portuguese player to win the award after Eusebio in 1965 and Luis Figo in 2000.

"I was not scared (of not winning the award) because I was aware of what I had done in the season," Ronaldo added.

"Thank you to my team mates, who helped me to be the best, thank you to those who set me up for these goals.