Rooney lavishes praise on Ronaldo

Wayne Rooney has hailed Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo as "the best player in the world".

The tricky Portuguese winger has illuminated United's Premiership title charge and even won a bet with manager Alex Ferguson by scoring 18 goals so far this campaign.

Ronaldo's performances have shifted the Old Trafford spotlight away from Rooney, who went 10 games without a goal earlier in the season.

But the England striker insists he does not care who takes the plaudits — he just relishes the chance to play alongside Ronaldo.

"I'm just delighted that he's playing for us because at this moment in time he is the best player in the world — not just the best young player, but the best player full stop," Rooney said in an interview to be published in full in tomorrow's edition of Sport magazine.

"There's certainly no jealousy on my part over that. You want to play with the best players, and it's great to be in the same team as Cristiano."

Ronaldo endured a torrid time from Premiership crowds after his role in the incident which saw Rooney sent off in England's World Cup quarter-final defeat to Portugal.

The infamous wink towards manager Luiz Felipe Scolari after Rooney had been given his marching orders sparked a media storm and at one stage his United future looked in doubt.

But Ferguson always insisted Ronaldo would not be leaving United — a stance he has firmed during the season following intense speculation that both Real Madrid and Barcelona were circling.

Rooney said at the time he was "disappointed" by Ronaldo's actions but he was quick to add there was no lasting bad blood between them.

And Rooney has been particularly impressed with the way Ronaldo handled the pressure.

"He's been brilliant, especially coming back from the World Cup when it was very difficult for him with all the media attention," Rooney said. "But he's come through that and he's been absolutely fantastic this season. Hopefully that will continue, and he'll hopefully help us bring back some silverware this season."