Sir Alex Ferguson never had any doubts that Cristiano Ronaldo would sign a new contract at United – and now the Reds boss says fans can look forward to years more of a player with “the same skill factor as Maradona and Pele."

The 22-year-old has pledged his future to United until 2012 and Sir Alex says Ronaldo is at the right club to continue his astronomical development.

"Without question, Cristiano is getting to the level of best player in the world,” added the United boss. “It is up to others to decide whether he is as good as Maradona and Pele. That is the challenge in front of him now.

"He is one of the best signings I have ever made. The measurement of his improvement this year is astronomical. In terms of top flight football, where do you find a winger who has scored 20 goals. It is incredible.”

Though Sir Alex says he was always sure Ronaldo would put pen to paper on a new deal, the speculation emanating from Spain that Real Madrid and Barcelona are eyeing a move for the Portuguese winger, must surely have been a concern.

“I had no doubts, but I think everyone else did outside Old Trafford,” added the boss. “I was confident about Cristiano signing because he’s happy here, his family are happy here and he’s at the right club.

“What we did was believe that Cristiano is at the right club. He believes that, too.  Essentially, there was no reason for him to think about leaving. He’s well liked at the club, there is a