Roy Keane has spoken of his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo and admits he would pay to watch him play.
The Manchester United winger has been dubbed 'the best in the world' by numerous pundits, and his former captain feels that statement is deserved.
Sunderland chief Keane told the Sunday Mirror: "I think Ronaldo is outstanding.
"If you had asked me two or three years ago I would have told you he could go on to be the best player in the world.
"I thought that would happen after he had been playing over a longer period of time, but his form this season has been a different class.
"The skills Ronaldo has are frightening," he added. "He is an entertainer and fans at United love that.
"It is great to see and they are the type of players you would pay to watch."
United are still in line to land an historic Treble and Ronaldo has played a massive part in that standing.
He has scored an impressive 16 goals so far this season making him the leading scorer at the club ahead of the likes of Wayne Rooney and Louis Saha.
Keane, who was part of the Treble-winning side in 1999, believes United can go on and land that feat again.
"I am sure the Treble win of 1999 could be emulated," he said. "They are in good form - but they need luck, though."
The Sunderland boss, who has been enjoying a good run of form with his club in the Championship in his first managerial role, is looking forward to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
He believes United have a good chance of being the second English club in three years to land the European trophy.
He said: "It'll be hard but I think an English team has a good chance this year."
sand king
i also paid to watch Ronaldo.... starhub of course