Rooney predicts Cristiano will play on a top-level even when he's 40

Manchester United former captain and the Red Devils all-time top scorer Wayne Rooney thinks Cristiano Ronaldo is capable of playing until he is 40.

Roney, Ronaldo's ex-teammate at Old Trafford, suggests the Portuguese has adapted his playing style to extend his career.

Ronaldo, 36, spent six seasons with United between 2003 and 2009, winning eight major trophies, and rejoined Man Utd from Juventus last month on a two-year contract.

"The last time he played here, he was more of a runner, a great dribbler, with pace and power," said Rooney, now managing Derby County in the Championship.

"Whereas now, he's a goalscorer. I think his game has adapted dramatically. He is a completely different player to the one that left the club 12 years ago but can still keep up with the physical demands of the Premier League.

"His ability is obviously one thing, but then he's also looked after himself massively... he's still in great condition. It won't surprise me if he's playing until he's 40, like Ryan Giggs did, and still scoring goals.

"His teammates will have to work a little harder. But if it's anything like last time - towards the last two years of playing with him - the team allowed him to do that because he scores your goals, and goals win you games."

Ronaldo, who scored 118 goals for United during his first spell, is expected to feature as a sub when they take on Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday.

PREMIER LEAGUE - ROUND 4

Saturday

14:30: Crystal Palace - Tottenham

17:00: Leicester - Man.City

17:00: Southampton - West Ham

17:00: Man.Utd. - Newcastle

17:00: Watford - Wolverhampton

17:00: Arsenal - Norwich

17:00: Brentford - Brighton

19:30: Chelsea - Aston Villa

Sunday

18:30: Leeds - Liverpool

Monday

22:00: Everton - Burnley