There can be few Premiership managers more qualified to give an appraisal of Cristiano Ronaldo's burgeoning talent than Steve Coppell. Having spent eight years as a player at Old Trafford, during which he represented England 42 times and was widely regarded as one of the most gifted right-wingers of his generation, the current Reading manager's voice carries resonance when he claims that Ronaldo could go on to become one of the best players in Manchester United's distinguished history.
Coppell has not seen Ronaldo play live since the Portuguese impressed at the Madejski Stadium earlier in the season - when he scored United's equaliser in a 1-1 draw - but TV footage over the Christmas period has provided a reminder of the threat his side will encounter when they visit Old Trafford tomorrow. Reading travel in confident mood following their impressive point at Chelsea on Boxing Day, but Coppell is aware that the Premiership's in-form player lies in wait.
His total of four goals in the games against Aston Villa last Saturday and Wigan on Boxing Day have underlined the quality of Ronaldo's form since he returned from the World Cup, reviled as the man who sealed England's fate in the lost quarter-final against Portugal.
The similarities between Coppell and Ronaldo do not stretch beyond their footballing positions, with one having a penchant for diamond ear-studs and the other a university degree, but the off-the-field differences do not prevent the Reading manager from paying tribute.
From Ronaldo's artistry on the flank and penetrative running through the middle to his brute strength which brushes opponents aside and his goalscoring prowess, Coppell waxes effusive. "Not only is he a terrific player but he is also a huge physical specimen as well. He must be almost 6ft 3in and between 13 and 14 stone. He's unique in the way he controls the ball. He's quick, left foot, right foot - the list is endless."
Ronaldo's emergence as a key player suggests he is ready to become the long-term successor to Ryan Giggs, whose debut in 1991 marked another chapter in United's history of discovering and nurturing outstanding wingers. Often those players, as in the case of George Best, have been talismanic, and there is growing belief that Ronaldo might even manage to supplant Wayne Rooney in the supporters' affections.
Asked whether the 21-year-old could become a United great, the Reading manager replied: "Very much so. He is the current player, more than any other, who is right at the top end of his game."
That form has not prevented Ronaldo from being subjected to vitriolic receptions countrywide, his antics at the World Cup following Rooney's dismissal in the quarter-final, and a reputation for diving, still preceding him.
Coppell has noted the latter but thinks the gamesmanship will go from his repertoire. "That comes with maturity," he says. "You react to the response of everybody around - whether it be the crowd, peer pressure or just common sense, sometimes seeing yourself on TV."
A combination of those factors, together with the Sir Alex Ferguson effect, seems to have helped to clean up Ronaldo's act this season.
Coppell, recalling a conversation with Ferguson at the League Managers' Association dinner last year, believes winning matches has prevented the United manager from ageing - "He said what all managers know: it's losing that makes you old in football" - although he might also have considered the notion that watching talented players such as Ronaldo helps to keep grey hairs away.
Coppell will not be standing back in admiration tomorrow, however, but when he is in front of his television in the evening he is likely to spend a few minutes marvelling at his fellow right-wing's display. "You can almost guarantee every week that you will see some kind of trick that he will do on the ball which no one else appears to do," he adds. "His qualities are endless and, potentially, he is the best player in football at the moment."
United's wing wizards
1950s
Bobby Charlton
754 apps 247 gls
Began his career at Old Trafford as a left-winger before being converted into an attacking central midfielder
1960s
George Best
361 apps 137 gls
One of the all-time greats, Best helped United to the European Cup in 1968, scoring against Benfica in the final
1970s
Gordon Hill
133 apps 51 gls
An integral player after United's season in Division Two in 1974-75. Part of the 1977 FA Cup-winning side
1980s
Steve Coppell
395 apps 70 gls
Had formed a formidable wing partnership with Hill, though his career was cut short by a knee injury
1990s
Ryan Giggs
691 apps 140 gls
Helped the club to five league titles in the 90s and part of the Champions League-winning side in 1999
2000s
Cristiano Ronaldo
161 apps 37 gls
Signed for £12.2m from Sporting Lisbon in 2003. Beginning to hit new heights at Old Trafford
