'Everyone has their idea of what Cristiano Ronaldo's potential is, but there's no question that his potential is better than anything else in Europe. What we have to do is realise that potential,' said Ferguson. 'You take the components - he's got the perfect physique, balance, pace and two feet. That's the potential to develop. But he's got a fantastic personality, a great strength of mind and a sense of purpose. Those things will help him more than anything and take him really far in the game. At the start, he was accused of diving, but at Charlton, it was ridiculous. They were taking him out around the thigh. But he always gets up and immediately wants the ball again. That's the best answer so he's developed really well in that respect. He's getting used to the English culture. There's no doubt that it (diving throughout English football) has creeped in but we don't like it. Ronaldo has cut that out, no question about it.'
Wise added: 'Ronaldo's got an awful lot of talent. He's got quality, he can open people up and he caused Robbie Ryan a lot of problems. Robbie tried but Ronaldo should have been man of the match.'
Paul Scholes added: 'The way he goes past players is unbelievable. It gives the team so much confidence knowing we have someone capable of producing a bit of magic like that. Over the last few weeks he has been amazing and now he has done it in a cup final. He has so much skill and speed it is frightening, if the opposition gets physical, he just comes back for more. 'He has the ability to go past people with pace alone and he is the type of player the fans love. He is a real entertainer and hopefully he will improve even more over the next few years.'