Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson Puts Cristiano Ronaldo in Best Players’ League

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has bracketed Portugal international and Red Devils attacking midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the best players in the world.

"I'm sure Cristiano is in that (best players) bracket," Ferguson told a news conference on Friday.

"He's 21 and I think he will get better. He's showing maturity and realisation of potential.”

Highlighting the wide position that Cristiano plays in and scores heavily from, the Scot who celebrates his 65th birthday on New Year's Eve, said: “Defenders are not used to handling that type of player. There are very few players who can play wide and attack players like he does. That's why he is such a danger.”

Ronaldo, who has scored 10 goals so far in the season, is however, yet to reach his best according to the experienced Fergie, who has completed 20 years at the helm of the Old Trafford based side.

Ronald has scored 12 international goals in 36 appearances.

Ferguson finds his side at the top of the Premiership with four points lead over the champions Chelsea. And Ronaldo deserves some credit for that as he has been in stunning form which offsets the patchy form of his strike partner at Manchester United, England striker Wayne Rooney.

Ferguson has also praised Ronaldo for forgetting the boos and jeers of English fans who after the Portugese’s alleged role in sending off of Rooney in the World Cup quarter-finals in Germany, have vilified him at every opportunity.

"He survived. The most important thing was to play well and Cristiano has done that," Ferguson added.