Cristiano Ronaldo at his peak, says Ferguson

 
Getty
13 February 2013

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted Cristiano Ronaldo is a better player now than when he left Manchester United.

Four years after United pocketed a world record £80million from Real Madrid for the Portugal superstar, they find Ronaldo standing between them and Champions League progress.

The Red Devils have every right to be fearful.

After all, Ronaldo contributed an incredible 42 goals to United's Champions League-winning campaign in 2008.

And he has improved at Real.

"Cristiano is a better player than when he left us because of his maturity," said Ferguson. "He is at the peak of his career now.

"He was still a young man when he left and you can see how he has flourished in Madrid.

"His fitness, speed, goals - and he's never injured. That is unique in the modern game.

"I never thought he'd get the amount of goals he's scored. I knew he'd improve. I knew he was one of the best players in the world. But to score the goals he has is phenomenal."

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