Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Cristiano Ronaldo has an arrogant streak, just like George Best.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said this week Red Devils ace Ronaldo, 24, gets a kicking because of his 'arrogance and class'.

Old Trafford gaffer Fergie agreed and said the likes of Best, Johann Cruyff, Diego Maradona and Pele were exactly the same.

He said: "All the great players have a touch of 'nice arrogance' - a belief in themselves. That is a vein that courses through all the great players and they get treatment from defenders.

"Best got it and if you remember the tackles the Brazilians gave Cruyff in the 1974 World Cup...

"I don't see why I should restrain Cristiano. I enjoy watching it - I paid over £10million for it.

"When a player expresses himself in such an entertaining way defenders don't enjoy it. What Arsene said is sometimes it appears as arrogance and that's different. I can understand what he's saying."