Cristiano Ronaldo insists that he will not leave Manchester United until he has become an Old Trafford legend.

The Portuguese superstar is already well on his way to becoming part of Red Devils folklore, but is keen to secure the status enjoyed by former heroes David Beckham and George Best.

Having already adopted the famous No.7 jersey worn with such distinction by those he is trying to emulate, it would appear to be only a matter of time before Ronaldo can rightly claim to be equally revered.

He helped the club secure a domestic and European double in the 2007/08 season, scoring a remarkable 42 goals along the way.

Rumours linking with him a summer switch to Real Madrid refuse to go away, but the 23-year-old revealed that he will not be following in the footsteps of another United great just yet.

"Beckham is one of the club's greatest-ever players and it was a huge honour to be handed the shirt," Ronaldo told Maximmagazine.

"I just hope to carry on doing it justice for the manager and the fans.

"To be talked about like Becks and George Best would be amazing. But then why not if I carry on what I am doing?"