Atalanta defender Merih Demiral has stated without superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks, Manchester United would already be out of the Champions League.
The 23-year-old defender, who is currently on loan from Juventus with Serie A rivals 'La Dea', was a team-mate of the Portuguese forward just last season.
With Ronaldo scoring in both the home and away ties against Demiral's Atalanta earlier this year, his goals helped United finish top of Group F and progress to the Last 16.
The Reds will now face Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid in the next round, with the Turkish international insisting he much preferred having Ronaldo on his side.
''I can easily say that it’s better to have him in your team rather than against you," Demiral told Football Italia.
"He always makes the difference. Look at what he’s done in the Champions League. Would Manchester United be in the last 16 without him? No.
“There’s a strong bond between Cristiano and me. He’s always helped me and we often chat on WhatsApp.
''I think he is one of the best people I’ve ever met."
Ronaldo has been in explosive form so far since re-joining the Reds' this summer, netting 13 goals in 19 appearances in all competitions.
With his 37th birthday now fast approaching, too, the former Real Madrid is showing no signs of slowing down following an impressive return to the Premier League.
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