Ronaldo's United future was in doubt after the World Cup

Ronaldo, 22, has been in scintillating form for Premiership leaders United this season and Rooney, 21, says he loves playing alongside the Portuguese.

"I'm just delighted he's playing for us because at this moment he's the best player in the world," said Rooney.

"You want to play with the very best players and it's great to be in the same team as Cristiano."

He's been absolutely fantastic this season Wayne Rooney on Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo's performances have helped United open up a nine-point lead over Chelsea and he is being tipped to win the Player of the Year award.

It all comes after last summer's World Cup finals when Ronaldo, playing for Portugal, was part of the team that knocked out England and helped get Rooney sent off in their quarter-final clash.

An infamous wink towards Portugal manager Luiz Felipe Scolari after Rooney had been given his marching orders sparked a media storm and at one stage his United future looked in doubt.

Rooney said at the time he was "disappointed" by Ronaldo's actions and now says he has been impressed with how his team-mate has handled the pressure.

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"He's been brilliant, especially coming back from the World Cup when it was very difficult for him with all the media attention," added Rooney in an interview with Sport Magazine.

"But he's come through that and he's been absolutely fantastic this season.