Ronaldo can be the best - Charlton Monday, December 18, 2006
SIR BOBBY Charlton has named Cristiano Ronaldo as the player who can eclipse him as Manchester United's greatest ever star.
Charlton said: "It could happen. He's a great player and potentially a phenomenally great player.
"He has the sort of ability, talent, pace and invention that people love. It's why people used to love Stanley Matthews and George Best - because of their footwork and the things they were capable of. Ronaldo's the same. He could be sensational for the next 10 years.
"He's got the build, the ability and the desire. And he's learning quickly."
Last week at the launch of the United Opus Sir Bobby was acclaimed as the club's greatest star ahead of other legends like George Best, Duncan Edwards and Denis Law. Ronaldo currently ranks at only 39 on that list. But Charlton insisted: "There are not many players who are better to watch. Wherever United go it's a full house and that's down to players like Ronaldo."
Ronaldo has endured abuse from opposing fans this season over his role in Wayne Rooney's World Cup red card but United director Charlton, who won 106 England caps, added: "You can dislike him for some of the things he does but what a talent! And I feel really good that he plays for us."
