The Portuguese star has been in scintillating form this season, scoring 27 goals and creating countless more as the Red Devils have maintained their challenges in the Barclays Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.

Despite failing to find the net in United's last two winless matches, Ronaldo is rapidly closing in on the 32-goal mark set by the late George Best in 1967-68.

Neville insists it would be fitting for the 23-year-old to beat Best's record given that he now believes Ronaldo deserves to take his place alongside the likes of the Northern Irishman, Sir Bobby Charlton, Duncan Edwards and Eric Cantona in the pantheon of Old Trafford greats.

"In terms of entertainment, performance and production, the player that we're watching now is every bit as good as anything I've ever seen,'' Neville told United Review.

"He's playing on another planet at the moment.

"His goals tally is exceptional, but the most impressive thing is the appreciation he has for playing in a team.

"His passing, dribbling and crossing are all carefully selected and completed at the right times.''

United face Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round tomorrow looking to strike an important psychological blow against their main title rivals.

Last Sunday's derby defeat at the hands of Manchester City, coupled with the Gunners' victory over Blackburn the following day, saw Sir Alex Ferguson's team slip five points behind the north Londoners in the race for the title.

Although there are no points available at Old Trafford this weekend, United could put a big dent in Arsenal's increasing self-confidence and make a massive statement of intent by sending them crashing out of the cup.

Neville will again miss out as he continues his recovery from the series of injuries which have wrecked his season thus far.

Having spent so much time in the stands this term he has gained a good appreciation of the current squad, and despite their recent struggles he remains unwavering in his belief that they are up there with the best United sides he has played in.

"I said at the start of the campaign that United fans should be as excited as they've ever been and that's been proved,'' he said.

"We've had the odd blip, but you experience that every year. We're getting to the business part of the season now, there's everything to play for.''