Coppell told The Sun: “The only thing we have in common is I once wore No 7 at United.
“He has broken the mould. He is the best player in the world.
“Cristiano is a freak for that position — he’s 6ft 1in, 13st, quick, has a left foot, a right foot . . . the list is endless.
“You can guarantee each week you will see some kind of trick no one else can do.”
