Villa boss compares Ronaldo to Best

Villa boss Martin O'Neill goes into tonight's clash at Manchester United insisting Cristiano Ronaldo stands alongside George Best as the greatest player of his generation.

The Villa boss played alongside Best for Northern Ireland and believes Ronaldo deserves comparison alongside the legendary United player.

"The very fact Ronaldo is being compared favourably with Best speaks volumes for the player," he said.

"Best was one of the greatest of all time.

"Ronaldo has scored 34 goals from wide positions. He's the best player in the world at the moment and I include Kaka in that.

"We're seeing a lot more of European players on our screens so you're able to make reasonable assessments.

"Best was an extraordinary footballer.

"I played seldom for him for Northern Ireland but when Danny Blanchflower became the new manager of Ireland in 1976, Best played against Holland in Rotterdam and he must have nutmegged Johann Neeskens seven times.

"He was extraordinary for an hour and he was past his best then.

This was the top Holland side, in a qualifier for the 1978 World Cup. We drew 2-2.

"Best would have more protection if he played today.

"When he went through to score that goal against Chelsea, Ron Harris came to obliterate him and semi-scythed him, yet George rode it to score and that was incredible."

O'Neill also revealed he's considering man-marking Ronaldo.

"If you can prevent really great players from playing, then it's what you do.

"The really good man markers can also keep an eye on the game, and fall into a position elsewhere when there's danger."