Cristiano Ronaldo is ‘incredible’, says United wonderkid Hannibal

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Manchester United wonderkid Hannibal is getting the chance to train alongside the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo.

In an interview with Onze Football, the talented 19-year-old has spoken about the influence of the Portuguese superstar.

He says he is doing all he can to soak up the example of Ronaldo, who is known for his professionalism and commitment to being the best he can possibly be.

That is the ideal role model for someone like Hannibal to learn from and he is clearly keen to make the most of the opportunity.

“Cristiano [Ronaldo] is at a very, very high level. He’s very strong. Seeing him live is very impressive. In front of goal, he is incredible. He is a very kind teammate, if you need you can ask him for advice, he will be available.”

“I’ve watched him on TV since I was little and playing with him is special. I’m experiencing something exceptional. I’m training with one of the best in the history of football. I’m learning all the time. I watch everything he does. I do everything like him.

“I look at the drink he takes. I do just like him. When you see him on a daily basis, you realise that there is only work for him. Whatever is good for the body, that’s what he does. One day it was sunny in Manchester. I watched him and saw that he had sunbathed shirtless.

“I said to him, ‘Why are you doing this?’, and he said ‘because it is good, it gives you vitamins’. Since that day, I always put myself in the sun (laughs). I also look at his plates during meals, I try to have the same thing on my plates.”

Hannibal’s midweek display in the UEFA Youth League against Borussia Dortmund showed he is a good fit for Rangnick’s United side.

He was dominant in midfield, adjusting his position to come deeper and get the ball in a game United drew but eventually lost on penalties.

The midfielder missed in the shootout but that is an experience he will learn from and there is nobody better than Ronaldo when it comes to delivering under pressure.

It is good to hear that Hannibal is doing his best to learn from Ronaldo and that the Portugal captain is happy to offer the benefit of his wisdom, which should bode well for United’s future.