CRISTIANO RONALDO is primed to light up the Champions League knockout stages.
That’s the verdict of ex-Manchester United team-mate Wes Brown, who won Europe’s biggest prize alongside Ronaldo in 2008.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the one to step up in big Champions League nights, says Man Utd icon Wes Brown
Brown won the Champions League title with the Portuguese striker in 2008
The Portugal superstar, who has won the competition five times in total after four successes with Real Madrid, netted six times in five group games for United this season.
And Brown reckons Ron is ready to star again when he returns to Spain for the last-16, first leg tie against Atletico on Wednesday night.
Brown told SunSport: “This is him. He is the Champions League, isn’t he?
“These Champions League nights, they are a bit different to playing domestically.
“They can be special and he is the one that steps up into another league.”
Pundits have questioned Ronaldo’s desire to press the ball but Brown, who assisted the 37-year-old to head the opening goal in the Moscow final against Chelsea 14 years ago, reckons his old pal can still have a major impact for Ralf Rangnick’s side.
Brown, who was speaking on behalf of 888Sport, added: “People always say to me, ‘What was it like? He never defended?’ I say it didn’t matter. He took two or three players away. I didn’t have to do anything.
“He still gets in positions to score. He’s done that the last few games and that’s all you can hope for from a player.
“If he doesn’t get into these positions, it would be different, but he does. If Manchester United are more consistent, then he will get more opportunities to score.”
The pair shared many successful years at Old Trafford together
