Johan Cruyff last night paid Cristiano Ronaldo the ultimate compliment - by saying he is better than Manchester United legends Denis Law and George Best.

Cruyff, a three-time European Footballer of the Year, says the only player whose goal record can be compared to Ronaldo is Ajax striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar - but admits the Dutch league is not as strong as the Premier League.

He said: "My favourite for the Golden Boot is Ronaldo.

Huntelaar has scored a lot of goals, but also has the handicap because the value of goals in Holland is different.

"For me, Ronaldo is above the rest and if he keeps scoring in this rhythm and stays in this sort of form then he will prove that he is the best.

"Ronaldo is better than George Best and Denis Law, who were two brilliant and great players in the history of United.