SIR ALEX FERGUSON has opened up on how Cristiano Ronaldo outwitted him in a bid to get more training pitch time before an Arsenal clash.
The then ambitious young United starlet even resorted to using astroturf on a rain-soaked day at the club’s Carrington ground.
And the Portugal star’s legendary former Red Devils boss says he admires the lengths the forward is willing to go to in order to be the best.
Ferguson, 79, told the UTD Podcast: “I remember we were playing Arsenal on the Saturday and it was pouring with rain at Carrington.
“I said to him, and you know he would always practice after training, and I said, ‘In. We’ve got a game tomorrow and it’s too wet. The ground is too soft.’
“So I went into my office, looked out of the window and what did he do?
“He went on the Astroturf. I had no argument! I couldn’t say anything to him. He’s beat me.”
“He sacrificed himself to be the best.”
Ronaldo, 36, whose team play Villarreal next in the Champions League, caused a huge buzz amongst Red Devils fans following his surprise £17million return to Old Trafford.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who began his career at Sporting Lisbon in 2002 has been in good form for the side netting four goals in four games across all competitions.
And the Portugal skipper’s return to Manchester is thought to have been partly influenced by Ferguson.
The Scot is reported to have intervened in a bid to deny Man City the chance of signing the prolific forward.
It is thought City had agreed on personal terms with the player who won 36 major trophies during spells at Sporting, Man United, Real Madrid and Juventus between 2003 and 2021.
However, it is reported discussions with Ferguson and a number of other United legends led to the player making a stunning return 12 years after leaving the club.
Earlier this month Ferguson told Viaplay: “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.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
