The former midfielder believes Ronaldo’s global status often makes him seem distant, but says teammates quickly see a different side to him.
Butt, a member of United’s famed Class of ’92 and a six-time Premier League winner, spent a season alongside Ronaldo after he arrived in 2003.
He recalls the forward as a lively character who enjoyed jokes and team camaraderie rather than the isolated figure often portrayed in the media.
“He's actually a very likeable lad, Cristiano. He's a top lad, he's a funny lad, he gets involved with all the banter,” Butt told Paddy Power.
“He's obviously a mega superstar, a billionaire, but he is actually a good lad to have a chat with. It becomes other people's problem; they're a bit standoffish from him because they're in awe of him.
“He's present, he's a very, very good team player. He might not look like that on a pitch, he can look like he’s just standing around.”