Sir Alex Ferguson has appeared to play a huge role in convincing Cristiano Ronaldo to snub Manchester City and to re-sign for Manchester United, according to stunning reports.
The legendary former United manager snapped up a then-18-year-old Ronaldo from Sporting CP in a £12.2m deal in 2003.
Ronaldo enjoyed incredible success under Ferguson’s tutelage and lifted three Premier League titles, a Champions League, an FA Cup, two League Cups and the first of his five Ballon d'Or trophies at United.
The 36-year-old Portuguese superstar was heavily linked with a move to defending Premier League champions Manchester City this summer.
But Ronaldo, whose current Juventus deal will expire in 2022, is now tipped to make a sensational return to Old Trafford.
The Manchester Evening News’ Samuel Luckhurst reports that Ferguson had spoken to the wantaway Juventus forward on Friday morning.
He added that City were the 'only club interested' in Ronaldo this morning, but United have now submitted a contract offer.
“I didn’t think he’d leave Juventus. We’ve always had a good communication and I know Bruno [Fernandes] has been talking to him.
“He knows what we feel about him. If he was ever going to move away from Juventus, he knows we’re here.
“When you are [Lionel] Messi, Ronaldo, [Paul] Pogba or Bruno, you have to read a lot about yourself. Let's see what happens with Cristiano, because he is a legend of this club.
“I don’t want to speculate too much on Cristiano. We focus on the ones we have here. I’ve said many times, when you’re Man United or Messi, Ronaldo you read a lot about yourself.
“I was fortunate to play with him and coach him. Everyone who has played with him has a soft spot for him.”
Footage Of Sir Alex Ferguson Waiting For Cristiano Ronaldo Proves Their Bond Is Special
Nothing proved that more than the night Ronaldo captained Portugal to glory at Euro 2016.
Ferguson was in the crowd and made it his mission to congratulate Ronaldo as well as Nani in an emotional embrace.
The Scotsman waited patiently for the players and his face lit up after seeing Ronaldo and Nani.
Ronaldo immediately hugged his former manager before letting out a loud cheer of excitement.
It's the kind of bond that can only be formed by two people with a deep understanding of one another.
Without the guidance of Ferguson, Ronaldo wouldn't have become the global superstar he is today.
It's something the man himself discussed in a chat with Spanish publication AS.
"When I arrived in England I was an 18-year-old kid and had established stars by my side.
"Ferguson taught me to clean up my faults, to know to give the pass at the last moment, to take the right decision in the area.
"I spent six years at United and I owe them everything that I am today. I made history at United and won many trophies."
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently tweeted: "Manchester United have been in direct contact with Jorge Mendes since yesterday night for Cristiano Ronaldo comeback.
"Now board talking about figures of the deal, potential salary & also fee for Juventus. Man United are now 'seriously interested' - as Man City too."
These reports were also corroborated by The Athletic and The Telegraph who have both confirmed that United are in talks with the player and are increasingly confident that the deal can happen.
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