MICHAEL CARRICK reckons Manchester United may need to use THREE man-markers to stop “incredible” Cristiano Ronaldo.
Carrick says the Real Madrid forward, 28, is bound to have a huge say in tomorrow’s Champions League clash at the Bernabeu.
And United star Carrick revealed the Red Devils are working on ways of taming their former player and one of the world’s most complete footballers.
He said: “Everyone has fond memories of Cristiano. What he’s done at Madrid is incredible and he’s going to take some stopping.
“I think we will need two or maybe three to mark him to be honest, he’s been that good for Madrid.”
Carrick reckons his old pal is unlucky to be playing in the same era as Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, which has meant he has not had the credit he deserves.
The England midfielder, 31, said: “He’s been sensational, to score so many goals so quickly it’s been astonishing.
“Because of Messi, he maybe hasn’t had the pats on the back or the credit he deserves because the other guy has been winning everything there is to win.
“But that shouldn’t take away from what he has achieved at Madrid. He’s a special player.”
However, while Carrick fears what Ronaldo might produce in the first leg of their last-16 tie tomorrow, team-mate Rio Ferdinand is convinced the Portuguese flier may not have such a big influence on the game.
Ferdy reckons Ron’s love for United will be playing on his mind and the occasion could get too much. He said: “It’s obviously going to be an emotional night for Ronaldo and a great night for him, too. But, hopefully, it gets too emotional for him.
“He has a great rapport with the fans and there is a mutual respect between them both, which is great.”
United full-back Rafael also reckons Ronaldo is fallible. And he insists he has the ability to outwit him having faced him in training in his formative years at United.
Rafael, who starred in the 2-0 win over Everton on Sunday, said: “I know what he can do because I played and trained with him a lot. “So he’s not the type of opponent where you would say ‘He is good but I don’t know what he can do’ I know what he can do.”
Having recently kept in-form winger Gareth Bale quiet in United’s draw against Tottenham, Rafael is well prepared for what Ronaldo can throw at him.
He said: “If you concentrate, that’s the key, reading the game.
“They’re both very quick but maybe they are just different. Ronaldo is right-footed and plays a different type of game.
“He can come inside and shoot with power but both of them are tough players to come up against.”
There is currently plenty of debate about who is the best player in the world. The trophies and accolades make Lionel Messi stand out but Rafael believes it is Ronaldo.
He said: “For me, he’s the best player in the world.
“I think he is the complete player and I really like him. I think he is the number one.”
Rafael, 22, goes into the game with praise ringing in his ears from both Ferdinand and manager Alex Ferguson, who believes he can become the best full-back in Europe.
Rafael said: “I like it when I hear Sir Alex Ferguson or Rio saying these things about me. It’s nice and I hope I can keep going.
“It’s important to get the team medals first of all because, if you get them, then the other personal things are going to come as well.”
There could be three more medals in the bag come the end of the season if all goes to plan.
As well as chasing Champions League glory, United have a 12-point lead in the title race and are in the fifth round of the FA Cup. The Treble is a big ask but Rafael believes the squad is strong enough to cope.
He said: “If everyone is fit we have two teams two good teams. So if we can split it sometimes, players can get a rest and stay fresh.
“That is always a good point for us. If everyone is fit we definitely have a good squad.”
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