Eusebio, widely regarded as one of the finest footballers to ever grace the game, scored 727 goals in 715 matches for Benfica. He guided the Lisbon team to four European Cup finals between 1962 and 1968 and captained his country to the semi-finals of the 1966 World Cup, scoring nine goals in the tournament.

It's a phenomenal record, and yet the 1965 European Footballer of the Year believes United winger Ronaldo has the potential to go even better.

"Yes, [he could take my crown]," Eusebio told FourFourTwo magazine. "And the way he's going at the moment he can become not only the best footballer in Portugal, but also the best in the world."

Indeed, Eusebio is tipping Ronaldo to win the coveted FIFA World Player of the Year prize for 2008.

"He might not become the best player of all time, but I think within a short space of time Ronaldo will be recognised as the best footballer in the world. He was third last time, which shouldn't be sniffed at. But he's got every chance of winning the trophy very soon."