Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed his former star Cristiano Ronaldo as the "complete player".

The Real Madrid forward was edged out of the Ballon d'Or yet again in 2012, as Barcelona's Lionel Messi won a fourth consecutive title.

Despite missing out on the award, Ferguson believes that the Portugal captain has matured to become an all-round player in recent years.

"Maturity brings many things," Ferguson told Inside United. "When I went to see [Real Madrid] play against [Manchester] City, some of his decision-making in terms of passing was brilliant. One-touch passing, good crosses.

"In the six years we had him, you just saw his game grow all the time, and he was a fantastic player. Now you see the complete player.

"His decision-making, his maturity, his experience, plus all the great skills he has got, they all make him the complete player."

Ronaldo will face his former club when Real Madrid take on Manchester United in the last 16 stage of the Champions League.