Wayne Rooney: Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Lionel Messi, says Manchester United captain

Real Madrid forward has 'certainly' overtaken Barcelona star, says former team-mate

Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United celebrate winning the Premiership title at the end of the Barclays Premiership match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford in Manchester

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney believes Cristiano Ronaldo is now the undisputed best player in the world.

Rooney, who won three Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Club World Cup with Ronaldo during their time at Old Trafford, backed his former team-mate over four-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi.

The Argentine equalled Raul's Champions League goalscoring record on Wednesday night, with his 71st strike in the competition, but Rooney says Ronaldo - who is the odds-on favourite to win this year's Ballon d'Or - has surpassed his rival.

"I think so," Rooney told MUTV when asked if he thought Ronaldo would win the award for a third time.

Cristiano Ronaldo poses with the Ballon d'Or he won last year (Getty Images)

"He’s had an incredible two or three years and I think he has certainly overtaken Lionel Messi now as the best player in the world.

"I’m sure it’ll be difficult to give it to anyone else."