Alex Ferguson claims departed hero Cristiano Ronaldo is “streets ahead” of Kaka and Lionel Messi as the best player in the world — but is confident teenage star Federico Macheda will eventually receive the same adulation.

Ferguson only agreed to Ronaldo’s desire to leave Manchester United for Real Madrid when the Spanish giants offered to pay an up-front world record payment of €93million this summer.

Many United fans have already claimed they are happy to see the Portugal superstar go given his increasingly individual approach, particularly as it allows Wayne Rooney to resume the central attacking berth he craves.

However, Ferguson is not joining those now attempting to rewrite history about a player who made his debut for the Spanish giants against Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght tonight.

Describing Ronaldo’s exit as “a massive loss”, the United manager paid a glowing tribute to the player he still regards as number one on the planet, even if the title that currently belongs to the former Red Devil is likely to be inherited by Messi this winter.

“Cristiano is a massive loss. I have nothing but praise for the boy. He is easily the best player in the world. He is better than Kaka and better than Messi. He is streets ahead of them all.

“His contribution as a goal threat is unbelievable. His stats are incredible. Strikes at goal, attempts on goal, raids into the penalty box, headers. It is all there. Absolutely astounding.”

Now all Ferguson can do is watch on as a player he brought to England from Sporting Lisbon as a raw 17-year-old exhibits in La Liga all the ability he nurtured at United’s Carrington training ground.

Not that he feels annoyed or angry. After six years, anyone born on the island of Madeira is bound to think life in the heat of Madrid has more going for it than the rain of Manchester.

“Three years ago I had a conversation with (then assistant) Carlos Queiroz,” recalled Ferguson. “We thought we would be doing well to keep him for another two, so overall, we have done well to keep him for six years.

“He is a great player. And if he gets the right training regime, as he had at United, he will develop and get even better.”

Yet, as he hands over Ronaldo’s number seven shirt to Michael Owen, Ferguson is already looking at his next star of the future.

No-one will forget the way Macheda burst onto the scene last spring when he followed up a sensational injury-time winner against Aston Villa by securing another victory against Sunderland a week later.

“Macheda is top drawer, a hero in the making, just as Cristiano was,” said Ferguson. “It is hard to believe he is just 17. We probably need to check his birth certificate because I reckon he is at least 28.”

Macheda’s public introduction to the United first team also included an FA Cup semi-final appearance against Everton.

Little wonder there has been no sense of awe from the Italian as he mingles with the senior stars on the Red Devils’ current Far East tour, and no sign of inferiority either in training, where his eye for goal is even sharper than that of legendary predator Owen.

“Federico has plenty of confidence,” admitted Ferguson. “When he came on the other night he dropped into midfield and ran down their left-side.

“He is a player all right — and tough as old boots. He can look after himself. He does not have the lightning reactions of Ronaldo but he is quick around the box and he has an eye for goal.

“He was way in front of everyone with his finishing the other day — and I mean everyone. It was magnificent to see.”