September 12, (THEWILL) – Manchester United’s legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson revelled alongside all fans of the Old Trafford side in seeing Cristiano Ronaldo, the player he brought to United as a gifted 18-year-old, don the colours of the club again in the English Premier League, as he revealed his role in making that return possible.
THEWILL reported on the rollercoaster of information about the Portuguese superstar’s purported decision to remain with Serie A giants Juventus only for some last-minute swift change of mind to suddenly put Manchester City in the picture as a possible destination.
The English champions were favoured to gain the services of the profound finisher having only just failed to capture long-term target Harry Kane from a stubborn Tottenham Hotspur, with Kane finally deciding to stay put in North London. They also were seen as favourites because their deep oil-rich pockets could afford Ronaldo’s salary requirements.
However, the swiftly changing news cycle about Ronaldo’s destination suddenly included his old club at Old Trafford with Ferguson firmly in the mix after City had allegedly agreed personal terms with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. It did not take long before United sealed the deal and confirmed it subject to some formalities to the extreme shock first and complete exhilaration later of the United fan base.
As THEWILL reported at the time, the intervention of Ferguson and a series of United legends, including current manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and old teammates, ultimately swayed Ronaldo into making an emotional return after a 12-year absence.
The 79-year-old Ferguson supplied the details of his hand in the whole maze of stories that finished with Ronaldo back in the squad of the Red Devils where his meteoric rise to fame and fortune all began. In his comments, he admitted to an overriding emotion of relief once United got the deal over the line.
He said: “I’m excited like everyone else … A lot of people played their part (in bringing Ronaldo back) and I contributed knowing that really Cristiano wanted to come here and that was important. It worked very well.
“I wouldn’t say it’s emotional but it’s exciting for me and relief because I couldn’t imagine him playing for Man City, I don’t think anyone could. That’s why we took steps to make sure he came here and the club then followed in very well and I spoke to the Glazers and it was done.
“I think he will make an impact on the young players in particular, he’s got the experience to handle the occasion.”
Ronaldo has so far gone to prove this with his second debut double against Newcastle in Saturday’s 4-1 victory at Old Trafford displaying every inch of the prolific goal-machine that has been his identity for so long and which appears ready to take United back to the summit of the EPL.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
