Pele: Fans will forget Beckham

Footbal Legend Pele promised anxious Manchester United fans: "Ronaldinho will blow your minds."

And he predicted that Ronaldinho's impact would be so great that within just a few months David Beckham's name will hardly be mentioned by the crowds who once flocked to Old Trafford to adore the world's most famous number seven.

Pele gave his exclusive verdict to the SP on a lightning visit to Manchester.

He insisted that his fellow Brazilian will have United punters on their feet in open-mouthed adulation if Sir Alex Ferguson, as the United boss confidently expects, can seal the deal for the £14million star this week.

"United are on the brink of a great moment for the club," said Pele.

"If they can bring Ronaldinho to Old Trafford he will become a superstar, fit to grace the wonderful tradition of Old Trafford."

As ever, Pele was in animated mood as he contemplated the impact the Paris St Germain star would have on Fergie's Premiership Champions.

The world-football legend painted a deliciously-tantalising picture of a new era, with United dancing to Ronaldinho's mesmeric Samba beat.

And the great man had no hesitation in telling me that the mourning over Beckham's £25million departure to Real Madrid might only last until Ronaldinho has played his first 90 minutes for United.

"There's no doubt at all that in a football sense Manchester United will be entering a whole new world with Ronaldinho in the team," said Pele.

"I love him as a player and a person and I know if Sir Alex Ferguson manages to persuade him to sign for the club, in time, he will have the status that Beckham had - and more."

"I know Manchester United fans are sad that Beckham has gone but Ronaldinho will light up their lives and blow their minds when he begins to play as we all know he can."

"But don't compare the two - they are different. The only thing they have in common is that they are great stars for their countries and they love to play football."

"People go to games to see great skill, a good touch and wonderful control and there's no doubt Ronaldinho has plenty of that - but he will never be the same as Beckham."

Pele was in Manchester to launch an exclusive range of pictures, paintings and prints of his career, at Flannels, a top clothing store used by stars like Beckham, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs.

And the game's greatest ambassador believes Ronaldinho can blossom into a world great under Ferguson's watchful eye.

Pele is a committed fan of Fergie, and respects the way the fiery Scot nurtures young talent and shapes teams who play fabulous attacking football.

That's why he's convinced the 23-year-old Brazilian with a Dwight Yorke love of the playboy lifestyle will thrive under Fergie's strict control.

"I think Ronaldinho is at that time of his career where he needs a manager like Sir Alex Ferguson."

"Ferguson is someone who loves football and demands the very best from his players," said Pele. "I know from speaking with my great friend Sir Bobby Charlton that Sir Alex is a hard manager who only wants the very best."

"He has a well-known history of handling superstars like Eric Cantona, Beckham and Ryan Giggs and I know Ronaldinho would give him the greatest respect."

"Sir Alex does not tolerate indiscipline and he believes his players should live life the correct way."

"That is why I believe a move to United will develop and improve Ronaldinho not only as a player but also as a human being. Maybe he has gone off the rails once or twice in the past and had a few problems with the coach at PSG."

"But, don't forget, he is only young and he would benefit from a teacher like Ferguson. As a former player who loves to see Brazil do well I know a move to Manchester would be the making of Ronaldinho."

"People may say why not move to Spain or Italy but United are big - and they have a Champions League record that is impressive."

"That is why I think Old Trafford is the perfect stage for him and Alex Ferguson would bring out the very best in him. That is a prospect that should excite Manchester United fans everywhere."

Brazilian stars like Mirandinha at Newcastle and Middlesbrough duo Juninho and Emerson, who paved the way for Ronaldinho, have had varying degrees of success.

But Pele is sure the star who embarrassed David Seaman in the World Cup quarter-finals in Shizuoka last summer will be a monster hit.

"I remember a few years ago when Juninho went to England people said he was too small to survive in such a physical environment," said Pele.

"But I think he did very well there and I am sure in my heart that if Ronaldinho goes to United he will do even better because he will be playing in a better team."

Pele predicts a period of adjustment before Ronaldinho really finds his feet - but once he does he is confident the memory of Beckham will be blown away in a blur of Brazilian brilliance.

"He will have to adjust to the pace of the Premiership and the more physical nature of the game here but he will conquer that because he is strong, quick, fit and he has a level of skill many players can only dream about."

"The game in England is maybe not as open as Europe because Premiership teams press the ball very effectively and maybe at first he would have to modify his game to cope."

"But he is first and foremost a very gifted footballer and that is his strength."

"His skill is breathtaking, he has a great touch, good vision, a clever, creative brain and that is why the fans in Brazil love him - not only for his smile but his genius with a ball."

"He will be a star where it matters most - on the pitch."