The two might be rival wingers in the Premiership, but as far as Blackburn's Pedersen is concerned, Manchester United's Ronaldo deserves the award.

"He is a fantastic player," remarked Pedersen, who heads to Old Trafford tomorrow with his Rovers team-mates determined to throw the Premiership title race wide open.

"He has skill, pace, everything; he is a player who can win a game for Manchester United, as he has done lots of times this season.

"I would say he is the best player in the league at this moment - player of the year, and he has certainly got my vote.

"But we have stopped him before and we can do it again."

Not that simply stopping Ronaldo is key to halting league leaders United, who hold a six-point cushion over nearest rivals Chelsea.

However, Blackburn were the only team to do the double over Sir Alex Ferguson's side last season, with Pedersen scoring both goals in a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.

"Manchester United is a big club, so to score twice there and win makes it one of the highlights of my career - it would be strange if it wasn't," added Pedersen, who supported the club as a boy, while he also made his Rovers debut against them.

"That was a really good experience last year, for me, the club, fans, everybody, and hopefully I can have another impact on this game.

"I want to do the same this year, and if I get a chance to score again, I'm not going to say 'no'.

"But what we did last season, beating them twice and we were the only team to do so, was pretty special.

"It was a big thing for us as players and the club - but now we're not going to lose to them twice this season."

Pedersen, who has been linked with a move to United in the past, certainly relishes playing at the 'Theatre of Dreams'.

It is the first of two trips in a fortnight to the stadium for boss Mark Hughes' side as they meet Chelsea there in an FA Cup semi-final on April 15.

"There are many good places to play," added the Norway international.

"Old Trafford is a big stadium with lots of people, generating a good atmosphere.

"They are the biggest club in the world, and you know when you walk up there you have to use that feeling in a positive way.

"You might get a little nervous, but that's good because it gives you extra energy and makes you do things that little bit harder.

"So again I'm looking forward to it because you do get a great feeling."

It would be easy for Blackburn to let their minds wander towards the Cup clash.

But Pedersen insists the focus is on United, with the goal a top-six finish in the Premiership to guarantee a place in next season's UEFA Cup.

"These two games at Old Trafford are equally as important and both big matches, but we have to focus on the first," stated Pedersen.

"It's going to be a tough game, but we're going to kick on now and get the points we need to get into Europe.

"We've the bonus of the FA Cup too, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season, but we have to work hard if we're going to get into the UEFA Cup."

David Bentley serves a one-game suspension but Aaron Mokoena returns from a ban, while captain Ryan Nelsen is available after recovering from a hamstring problem.