Ferguson confirms his part in Ronaldo’s Manchester United return

Erstwhile Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly confirmed that he played an instrumental role in convincing Cristiano Ronaldo to snub Manchester City for his second return to the Theatre of Dreams.

Sir Ferguson was reported to have personally called the ex-Juventus forward in a bid to convince him to return to Manchester United after 12 years away.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had been contemplating a move to United’s cross-town rivals at the Etihad before the intervention by his old boss.

A host of former teammates and executives are also understood to have made direct pleas to the forward as he pondered a move from previous employers Juventus.

But it was Sir Alex Ferguson’s message to Ronaldo that appears to have been the deciding factor in his move back to Old Trafford.

Ahead of Ronaldo’s triumphant return against Newcastle, Sir Ferguson told Viaplay that:

“I'm excited like everyone else, there was anticipation all day yesterday and waking up in the morning.

“I speak for all supporters, it's a great day for Manchester United.

“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 a 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.”

Ronaldo enjoyed a stunning return to Old Trafford and the fans he left back in 2009 for Real Madrid and a then-world record fee.