Former Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson revealed he ‘spoke’ to the owners and ‘contributed’ knowing that Cristiano Ronaldo wanted to return.
The former Juventus striker re-joined United towards the end of the transfer market and scored a brace in the comeback in a 4-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday.
Italian media claimed Ronaldo wanted to leave all summer and the wish seemed to get stronger and stronger towards the end of the market, when the Portuguese talisman flirted with a move to United’s local rivals Manchester City.
Ferguson admitted he ‘couldn’t imagine’ his former pupil join the arch rivals at the Etihad Stadium and acted to make sure he returned to Old Trafford instead.
“The anticipation all day, waking up this morning, it’s a great day for United,” Ferguson told Viaplay ahead of the Portugal captain’s return to Old Trafford.
“A lot of people played their part. I contributed knowing that Cristiano wanted to come here. And that was important. It worked very well.
“I wouldn’t say it’s emotional but it’s certainly exciting and also, relief. A lot of relief. I couldn’t imagine him playing for City.
“That’s why we took steps to ensure he came here. The club followed him very well, I spoke to the Glazers and it was done.”
Ronaldo left Juventus after scoring 101 goals with the Bianconeri and revealed Sir Alex Ferguson is ‘like a father in football’ for him during his first interview since returning to Manchester.
The Golden Boot winner at EURO 2020 this summer has continued to break records this summer and the great start at Manchester United, coupled with a Juventus defeat against Napoli, has triggered some sections of the fans at the Allianz Stadium.
‘They said he was the problem’: Juventus defeat and Ronaldo brace fire up fans