Michael Owen believes ex-Man Utd teammate could have reached Cristiano Ronaldo's level with more confidence

Michael Owen previously picked out one former Manchester United star who could have reached the levels of Cristiano Ronaldo.

During an illustrious career, Owen played for the likes of Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle United before making a move to Old Trafford in 2009.

As a Red Devil, Owen got his hands on three trophies, the Premier League, the League Cup and the FA Community Shield.

The one-time Ballon d’Or winner has shared the pitch with some of the best players in world football, including the likes of Steven Gerrard, Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham and Luis Figo.

Last year, Owen picked out former United teammate Nani as someone who could have reached Ronaldo’s levels.

He said to Daily Star: “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. There's 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 mentally 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 – possibly felt a little bit in his shadow. But the ability of that kid…”

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Owen added: “He would go and get man of the match three or four weeks on the spin, and then he’d have a little knock or something would go against him and his confidence could be shot and you wouldn't see him for a couple of months type of thing. But he had had just tons of ability.”

Nani played for United from 2007 to 2015 before going on to play for the likes of Fenerbahce, Valencia, Sporting Lisbon, Orlando City and most recently, Estrela Amadora.

In total, Nani made 230 appearances across all competitions for United, scoring 40 goals.