Ever wondered how Man United came about being aware of Cristiano Ronaldo’s immense abilities and potential? In Summer 2003 Manchester United played Sporting Lisbon in a pre-season friendly, as part of the inauguration of the Estadio Jose Alvalade stadium. A certain Cristiano Ronaldo and co ran rings around the English side, eventually winning 3-1. Ronaldo performed incredibly, and according to Gary Neville who was in the United side, he said to the manager that the club has to sign him, he was such a handful. Other players too voiced their opinions that he was such an impossible player to play against, and that he’d be a great signing. Sir Alex Ferguson obviously agreed, and so bid just over £12 million which Sporting understandably accepted.
You can check out the video of Cristiano Ronaldo tormenting United here. Alternatively you can watch the video of Ronaldo making his club debut at Old Trafford versus Bolton.
