What a year it has been for birthday boy Cristiano Ronaldo, 32 today.

It began with his and Real Madrid's Champions League success at the end of last term, where for the second time in three years, Los Blancos came out victorious against their city rivals Atletico Madrid.

Next was the big one: The European Championship. In a Portugal side that has underperformed dramatically on numerous occasions over the past decade, Ronaldo helped to achieve the unthinkable... lifting the trophy in France. It was his country's first ever major honour and guaranteed him legend status.

Thirdly, his fourth Ballon d'Or and the inaugural Best FIFA Men's Player award.

To top it off, Real currently sit top of La Liga, four points clear with a game in hand.

Ronaldo's birthday cake will taste all the sweeter today, then.

The boy signed by Sir Alex Ferguson from Sporting Lisbon has turned out to be one of the most talented players in history, and that promise certainly showed during his days at Old Trafford.

Here are Ronaldo's TEN best Manchester United goals...

Vs. Portsmouth, 03/04

Maybe not the greatest goal of Ronaldo's United era, but nonetheless an important one. Possibly fortunate it bent into the corner with it having more than likely been intended as a cross into the box, Ronaldo's inaugural goal for the Red Devils signalled the beginning of a great era.

Vs. Southampton, 04/05

Another strike from early in Ronaldo's Manchester United career. First of all, can we just admire that run from Wayne Rooney? It's easy to forget that the striker was once one of the biggest talents in world football over a decade ago. The finish, though, sublime. Flicked up with one foot and volleyed with the other, quite brilliantly done.

Vs. Arsenal, 08/09

A goal that shows the qualities of Ronaldo that people are too often quick to forget. Grit, determination and desire. Laying the ball off well within his own half, Ronaldo then sprinted almost the entire length of the pitch at lightening speed to finish the move he started.

Vs. Roma, 07/08

Trademark Ronaldo. The commentary sums up pretty everything you can and will say about Ronaldo at that point his career. The leap, the execution, and desire to get his head to that ball first is exemplary. Is Ronaldo the best header of the ball the world of football has ever seen?

Vs. Portsmouth, 05/06

It's fair to say the Portuguese star enjoyed playing against Portsmouth, and this is just another example of how he, on many occasions, did what he does best against the boys in blue. Usually famed for his rocket right foot, Ronaldo showed he is just as good on his left with this thunderous strike.

Vs. Aston Villa, 07/08

It looks a scrappy goal upon first viewing with the camera bearing down from a high angle. But upon second inspection, the quality is easy and clear to see. The audacity with which Ronaldo simply back heels the ball past the Villa defence and goalkeeper to catch them all off guard is simply astonishing.

Vs. Arsenal, 08/09

Another strike against rivals Arsenal, but this one was as important as it was great. The winger had no right to score from that angle, however Ronaldo managed to put the ball in basically the one and only spot Manuel Almunia in goal wouldn't be able to reach. The goal put United 2-0 up in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final, and all but sealed the victory for the Red Devils.

Vs. Fulham, 06/07

A fine solo effort. Ronaldo picked the ball up well within his own half, before ghosting past three Fulham defenders and slamming it into the bottom corner to give the Red Devils a 2-1 lead and all three points. The now Real Madrid star has made solo goals such as that his trademark since moving to the Bernabeu, but he certainly still had it in his locker whilst at Old Trafford.

Vs. Porto, 08/09

Erm... we're not quite sure what he was thinking hitting it from there, but boy did it work. A solid 35 yards out (at least), Ronaldo struck the ball like a cannon in trademark fashion as he slammed it directly into the top corner with laser precision to break Porto hearts.

Vs. Portsmouth, 07/08

The most iconic free kick of the Premier League era for more than one reason. Not only was it the best free kick, but it was a signal to the evolution of free-kicks since. While the 'punching' technique Ronaldo displayed had been used by others, the Portuguese ace performed it better than all others.