Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has said that he believes Lionel Messi, Pele and Diego Maradona are the three greatest players in football history.

The trio are widely regarded as among the most talented to have played the game, with Pele winning a record three World Cups, Messi winning an unprecedented five Ballon d'Ors and Maradona almost single-handedly steering Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986.

However, one notable exclusion from Mourinho's list is Cristiano Ronaldo, who played under his compatriot during their time together at Real Madrid.

Ronaldo and Messi have been perennial rivals throughout their careers, sharing the last eight Ballon d'Ors, yet Mourinho has opted for the Barcelona man ahead of his former player.

"For me the top three players in history are Messi, Pele and Maradona," The Express quotes the United boss as saying.

Ronaldo is a three-time Ballon d'Or winner himself, although none of those awards came during Mourinho's time in charge of Los Blancos.