What a transfer window this has been. Arguably the two best players in the world have both changed clubs. And while it was only PSG for Lionel Messi, his arch rival Cristiano Ronaldo had two Manchester clubs to choose. While some „purists“ among United fans will question his commitment, since he even contemplated signing for the ’enemy’, the majority are more than happy to go with the „we stole him in front of City“ story. But whatever really happened, Ronaldo is back to the club after 12 years and could start against Newcastle on Saturday 11th September. United have also officially asked for special dispensation that would see Ronaldo take the No.7 shirt from Edinson Cavani. Sir Alex Ferguson was the key to bringing Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford 🔑🔴 pic.twitter.com/Whvm6EsVxK— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 1, 2021 Speaking to the club’s website, the Portuguese was clear who made the biggest impact on his football career, not just the latest transfer. “As everybody knows, since I signed for Manchester United at 18, Sir Alex Ferguson was the key. I remember when we played against Manchester when I was at Sporting Lisbon. For me, Sir Alex Ferguson is like a father in football for me. He helped me a lot, he taught me many things, and in my opinion of course he had a big role because the relationship that we had, we keep in touch all the time, and he’s an unbelievable person. I really like him a lot and he was the main key for me to be in the position that I am, that I signed for Manchester United” said Ronaldo. Pep’s cold words and Fergie’s phone call: the story of Ronaldo’s transfer to UnitedEven thou his is returning after 12 years, he will still find some familiar faces from his first tenure with the club, like for example Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Ronaldo was teammate with the Norwegian, but the roles are a bit different now. “Well, we had a chat, but of course I’m going to have time to speak with him face to face, to know what he expects. As you know, I played with him for two or three years at Manchester United so I have a good relationship with him but now with a different role, I’m a player and he’s a coach. But it doesn’t matter, my relationship with him is great and as I say before, I’m there in Manchester to help the team achieve his results and the coach can count on me for whatever he wants. So I’m available for everything” said Ronaldo. His new United teammates are looking forward to play with the former Real and Juventus player, and for the Red Devil’s captain Harry Magure, there isn’t any debate about who is the best player in football. „For me, the greatest player to play the game. It’s amazing to have him at the club. I’m sure he’s going to have a huge impact on & off the field. Obviously he’s going to improve our team as well with his goalscoring record” said Maguire.
