Fergie backs Ronaldo to be the best

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has tipped Cristiano Ronaldo to establish himself as the best player in the world after the Portuguese completed a clean sweep of personal awards for the season.

The 22-year-old Manchester United winger on Thursday received the Football Writers' Association award to follow the United fans' and players' player of the year awards, plus the player and young player prizes from the Professional Footballers' Association.

Ferguson said: "He's got great quality. I hope he goes on to develop himself to be established as the best footballer in the world. To do it for a long time is another challenge for the boy and I think he will do that."

Ronaldo's future in English football looked in doubt at last summer's World Cup when he played a sinister part in Wayne Rooney's dismissal in the quarter-final when England bowed out.

But he rammed the taunts of rival supporters down their throats this season, playing his part as United grabbed the Barclays Premiership title from Chelsea.

Ronaldo, who could complete a double with United if they win the FA Cup final against Jose Mourinho's team on Saturday at the new Wembley, said of the FWA award: "It's a big honour, I'm very happy for this."