The England defender insists Ronaldo has no individual rivals in world football and has backed his team-mate to add to his 40-goal tally for the season.

With United needing to win at Wigan on Sunday to secure the Barclays Premier League and then face Chelsea in Moscow for the Champions League crown, Brown believes that the Portuguese forward will prove the difference.

"Without a shadow of a doubt he's the best player in the world at the moment," Brown told www.manutd.com.

"He's taken his game to a different level and I'm sure he'll get more goals this season. I'm just glad he's on our side.

"Even for his team-mates, it's exciting to watch him when he gets on the ball because you know there's a chance something's going to happen, whether it's him setting up a goal or scoring one. He's capable of producing something out of nothing."

Brown, 28, made his United debut 10 years ago this week and believes that the back line is the best he has played in.

The statistics back Brown up - United can boast the tightest defence in the top flight having conceded three fewer goals than nearest rivals Chelsea.

And after being an non-playing substitute when United clinched their historic treble in 1999, the England defender is now eyeing playing a key role in securing more glory for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Brown said: "The back-line this year is one of the most solid defences I've been part of. As a back five we've played a lot of games together and when you do that you form an understanding, not just between yourselves, but with the midfield lads as well.

"Individually we've done well, and as a group we've helped each other and that's shown in our results."

He added: "I've had great times here in terms of winning trophies and playing in big games, but I've also had bad times with injuries. I've been lucky enough to win a lot of medals and hopefully that will continue this season and beyond.

"The 1998/99 season seems like such a long time ago, too. It was my first main season in the first team and it was amazing to be a part of such an achievement.

"If we could achieve something like that again during my time here, it would just be unbelievable."

Brown has often had to play second fiddle to Gary Neville both for United and England, but with the veteran full-back injured all season he has grabbed his chance with both hands.

He added: "For me, this season, it's been amazing to be playing.

"I've not been injured and I've been getting games under my belt and getting used to playing week in, week out. It has been great to play so many matches and I think I've done okay.

"It was only really because Gary got injured that I've been a regular this season, but playing every game helps you improve and gives you more confidence - I've definitely discovered that this season."