How Alex Ferguson Convinced Ronaldo To Join Man United Instead of Man City With 20 Seconds Phone Call

How Alex Ferguson Convinced Ronaldo To Join Man United Instead of Man City With 20 Seconds Phone Call

Babajide Orevba
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:51 PM
  • Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo made a blockbuster come back to Premier League club Manchester United on the summer transfer final day
  • Several reports had claimed the former Juventus of Italy forward was on the verge of joining fierce rivals Manchester City
  • Details emerge that legendary Sir Alex Ferguson had to place a call to Ronaldo to urge him not to join City

Details of how Cristiano Ronaldo dumped his move for Manchester City to return to Manchester United have emerged following a call from Sir Alex Ferguson, GiveMeSport reports.

Ronaldo will face Pep Guardiola’s side on Saturday, but it could have been the other way round as the blue half of Manchester almost landed the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

It seems unimaginable that Ronaldo would be playing against the Red Devils, but that almost happened until Ferguson had to wade in.

Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo was urged to return to Man Utd by Alex Ferguson. Photo: Alex Livesey
Source: Getty Images

A report via Daily Star claims City had already agreed a £25 million deal with Juventus for the Portuguese and he was on the brink of moving to the Etihad Stadium.

But United were also making underground moves as vice-chairman Ed Woodward and commercial director Richard Arnold were given the green light from the club owners and went to work to finally re-sign Ronaldo at the fourth attempt.

Knowing the 36-year-old would also love to return to the Old Trafford, Manchester United threw everything in their pursuit of the striker.

Ex-teammates Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra had spoken to the player to return t heir club before Alex Ferguson played the last card.

Fergie personally called Ronaldo - but it wasn’t for a lengthy chat about the situation, as the former manager simply said "don't join City" in a 20-second call before hanging up.

Cristiano Ronaldo takes teammates for pre-derby launch

Meanwhile, Ronaldo took his teammates on a special treat ahead of their epic derby against arch rivals Manchester City this weekend.

The 36-year-old striker was issued a parking ticket for his troubles as he and teammates had launch together at an Italian restaurant.

United host neighbours City on Saturday afternoon and Ronaldo has continued to make underground moves to support manager Old Gunnar Solskjaer.

Study claims Ronaldo is immune to pressure

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Cristiano Ronaldo is immune to pressure as his performance level remains the same according to a study by SciSports team following a research at university KU Leuven.

A 7,000-minute data was analysed are regards how Ronaldo performs during time of criticisms or pressure, Flipboard reports.

The Portuguese superstar scored a brace to help Manchester United earn a crucial point against Atalanta, including a last gasp effort to end the tie 2-2.

Authors
Babajide Orevba photo
Babajide Orevba
Babajide Orevba is a CAF accredited Nigerian journalist and HOD of the Local Desk with over 10 years of experience in media landscape.He studied NCE Political Science/Social Studies, AOCOED.
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