Michael Owen makes Cristiano Ronaldo comparison with former Manchester United teammate

Michael Owen believes Nani should have reached similar levels to Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United.

Comparisons between the two were made as soon as Nani arrived at Old Trafford in 2007. Both Portuguese and both wingers, the pair inevitably struck up a bond during Ronaldo’s latter years at the club.

Nani was viewed as the successor to his compatriot but failed to replicate those heroics. In fairness, few players can place themselves in the same bracket as a man who has won five Ballon d’Ors, five Champions League titles and scored over 850 career goals.

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But Nani’s United career faded and barely an eyebrow was raised when he left to join Fenerbahce in 2015. Owen, who played alongside the wide-man during his two years at United, cited his former teammate as someone who failed to fulfil their potential.

"I think you go through life meeting people and you think ‘Oh, he'll do well in life, she'll do well in life’ and whatever,” he told the Daily Star. “There are loads of players that were absolutely so talented and then probably didn't ever (reach their potential).

"And there were lots of players you think might be a bit of a journeyman, and all of a sudden they reach the absolute top because they're just like mentality monsters. And you know of players that were exceptionally talented and probably could have done even more. Someone like Nani at Manchester United.

"You talk to players and he came hot on the heels of Cristiano Ronaldo (but) possibly felt a little bit in his shadow. But the ability of that kid…

"He would go and get man of the match three or four weeks on the spin,