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      Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s special bond with Sir Alex Ferguson, from winning Ballon d’Or five times to return to Man Utd

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      WHEN Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Manchester United as a talented 17-year-old in 2003, the wheels were set in motion for one of football’s special bonds.But few would believe that his former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, a father-figure to the 36-year-old Portuguese superstar, would aid his return to the club that made him nearly 20 years later.
      The moment Sir Alex Ferguson and Cristiano Ronaldo met a special bond formedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Sir Alex congratulates Ronaldo for winning Euro 2016Credit: Getty – Contributor
      In the summer, it seemed nailed on that the all-time leading international goalscorer would sign for United’s arch-rivals Manchester City.
      However, Fergie revealed he stepped in to stop that from happening.
      “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,” he told Viaplay before the ex-Real Madrid star made his return to Manchester United.
      Ronaldo, himself, acknowledged the manager’s contribution. “PS — Sir Alex, this one is for you…” he wrote in a social media post celebrating his move from Juventus.
      Now, the fiery Scot has said Ronaldo deserves a sixth Ballon d’Or title, after his goalscoring exploits for club and country.
      Through the years, Fergie has been credited with making him the player he is today. Sparing him the infamous hairdryer treatment, Fergie filled Ronaldo’s head with confidence – giving him the freedom that allowed him to become a five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
      The “Boss”, as Ronaldo affectionately calls him, was even there for his protege’s most famous moment for his country – winning Euro 2016 – giving him a hug from the stands as he collected his winners’ medal.
      Their father/son relationship has blossomed through the years, so much so it was recently revealed that Ronaldo was set for a sensational return to Old Trafford until Fergie’s retirement in 2013 halted a deal.

      FAN BOY
      After Sir Alex retired, he enjoyed going to live events – from the Oscars to various European finals.
      At Euro 2016, Fergie was in the stands to watch Portugal defeat France 1-0 after extra-time.
      As the Portuguese players walked down the steps after receiving their medals, a proud Ferguson embraced Ronaldo and gave him a huge hug.
      Then, a year later he was a special guest at the 2017 Champions League final, in which Ronaldo won man of the match and scored twice in a 4-1 rout of Juventus.
      Of course, it was Fergie that give him his award that night.

      Ronaldo is given his man of the match award by Sir Alex after the Champions League final in 2017Credit: AP:Associated Press
      FAMILY COMES FIRST
      Back in 2005, as Ronaldo was beginning to establish himself at Old Trafford, his father Jose Dinis Aveiro fell ill in hospital after years of alcohol abuse.
      Immediately, Fergie ordered him to take compassionate leave – even though it meant his star player would miss key games during the season.
      “When my daddy was sick in London, and he was in hospital very bad in a coma,” Ronaldo  revealed Sir Alex Ferguson: Secrets of Success’ in 2015.
      “I had a conversation with him [Ferguson] and I said: ‘Boss, I don’t feel good.’
      “We are in a key moment in the Champions League, and I said I don’t feel good and I wanna see my dad. He said: ‘Cristiano – you wanna go one day, two days, one week? You can go. I’m going to miss you here because you are important, but your daddy is the [priority].’
      “When he told me that, I feel like this guy is unbelievable. He the father of football for me.”
      As the years have passed their relationship has been akin to a father and sonCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Fergie ordered Ronaldo to take compassionate leave when his father was on his death bedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      RED HERRING
      Fergie knew Ronaldo’s dream was to play for Real Madrid, and he wasn’t going to stop him from joining the La Liga giants.
      That said, he did try to pull a fast one when it was reported that Los Blancos were deep in talks with CR7.
      “You don’t think we’d get into a contract with that mob, do you?,” Sir Alex said back in 2008.
      “Jesus Christ. I wouldn’t sell them a virus. So that’s a no — there is no agreement between the clubs.”
      Six months later, Ronaldo moved to Spain – with Fergie in agreement all along.
      Ferguson never got in the way of Ronaldo’s dream to play for Real MadridCredit: AFP – Getty
      Ronaldo and Ferguson embrace at the end of a Champions League match between Man Utd and Real Madrid in 2013Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      A FITTING TRIBUTE
      In 2012, at the unveiling of a statue of Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, Ronaldo made an appearance by video link to pay tribute to his former boss.
      He began by apologising for not being there in person because of his hectic schedule.
      “I think you 100 per cent deserve it for what we did with you,” Ronaldo continued in the clip.
      He even joked, “I hope to see you soon, because I need to practice my English, not my Scottish!”
      Sir Alex and Ronaldo have always been happy to praise one anotherCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
      In 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson was the special recipient of the BBC Sports Personality Diamond Award for the show’s 60th edition.
      Again, Ronaldo took to video link to heap praise on Sir Alex.
      “You were like a football father to me,” Cristiano said.
      “You deserve this award because you are a fantastic manager, a fantastic person and the number one.”
      Ronaldo has referred to Fergie in the past as his football fatherCredit: Getty – Contributor

      FILM STAR
      In 2015, Cristiano Ronaldo’s amazing life made it to the big screen.
      He opened himself up to the world in his documentary ‘Ronaldo’ – which Fergie wasn’t going to miss for the world.
      The Scot stood side-by-side with Ronaldo on the red carpet for its premiere in London.
      Both beaming with pride, Ronaldo and Fergie looked like father and son.
      Sir Alex Ferguson stood side-by-side with Ronaldo at the premiere of his documentaryCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Again, the pair couldn’t hide their affection for one another
      MESSAGE OF SUPPORT
      When Sir Alex suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2018, Ronaldo and the whole footballing world were praying that he would pull through.
      Taking to Instagram, Ron shared an image of them together with the caption: “My thoughts and prayers are with you, my dear friend. Be strong, Boss!”
      Ferguson made a miraculous recovery and the pair met up when Juventus played Manchester United at Old Trafford.
      “A great coach and above all a wonderful man,” Ronaldo shared with a photo in a tweet.
      “Taught me so many things inside and outside the pitch. Great to see you in good shape, Boss!”
      A great coach and above all a wonderful man. Taught me so many things inside and outside the pitch. Great to see you in good shape, Boss! pic.twitter.com/Ql4dcuJvCW— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) October 24, 2018

      TEAR-JERKER
      Last year, Ronaldo won the Portuguese Player of the Year award for a record 10th time.
      It was Fergie’s time to record a moving video message for his former student.
      “Congratulations on a great achievement and a wonderful night you’re going to have in Portugal,” Ferguson said in the clip.
      “I’m really sorry I can’t be with you, but I look back and see you as a young lad at 17 years of age who came to Manchester United, how you have progressed as a human being and a fantastic sportsman.
      Ronaldo receives the 2008 Ballon D’or from FergusonCredit: Offside
      Fergie has revealed he is eternally proud of the man Ronaldo became when he left Man UtdCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      “I want to say to you, and your mother, and all your family, and all of your kids; well done.
      You have been an absolute pleasure for me to have known, to have worked with, and to have seen you progress into the footballer you were.
      “So, good luck, have a great night, and well done.”
      Alex Ferguson’s emotional message to Cristiano Ronaldo after winning Portuguese player of the year award More

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      Ex-Man Utd wonderkid John Cofie cost the Red Devils £1m aged 14, retired at 27, and now mentors kids at school

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      IN 2007, promising striker John Cofie seemingly had the world at his feet.Then 14, the teenager had the world at his feet and was rated as one of the top talents in England playing for Burnley.
      Sean McGinty, Paul Pogba, Sam Johnstone, John Cofie and Jesse Lingard celebrate winning the FA Youth Cup for Man Utd in 2011Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United soon swooped for the wonderkid in an astonishing £1million deal – making him the youngest ever million pound footballer.
      However, he failed to make a single appearance for the Red Devils and left the club in 2013.
      Spells at clubs including Barnsley, Crawley Town and Wrexham failed to reignite his career.
      At 27, the former England U17 star hung up his boots – having played just 77 times for 13 different clubs.
      Today, Ghanaian-born Cofie works at a school in Lancashire, where he mentors kids in their football programme he was once a part of.
      WANTED BOY
      Cofie was brought over to the UK by Burnley after impressing at a football camp in Germany, where his father served in the army.
      He enrolled at Moorland School and was taken under the wing by their Head of Football Development, Charlie Jackson.
      Cofie starred at youth level for The Clarets and was soon called the best player of his generation.
      Astonishingly, managers from the country’s top clubs would try to visit Cofie at school to convince him to sign for them.
      Cofie was one of the leading players of his generation when he signed for United in 2007Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      While Cofie was an aspiring star at United, he was mentored by Moorland School coach Charlie JacksonCredit: Instagram
       “It was ridiculous. To name Chelsea and Liverpool doesn’t even begin to tell the story,” Jackson told the Burnley Express.
      “There were so many clubs and we had to turn certain managers from big clubs back down the drive.
      “They all wanted to speak to him face to face. He was a Liverpool fan as a kid so we thought he was going to go there and then United came in.”
      £1MILLION AT 14
      In 2007, it was Fergie who won the race to sign the prodigy.
      The £1million deal made him the youngest ever million pound footballer and world news.
      He continued his development in their youth team, where he would team up with a French boy wonder by the name of Paul Pogba, who he is still pals with today.
      And Cofie was an integral part of the club’s FA Youth Cup winning side in 2011.
      Jackson believes he was a better player as a kid than World Cup winner Pogba.
      Cofie was a member of United’s 2011 FA Youth Cup winning sideCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard are still pals with CofieCredit: Instagram
      “I think at 14 he was the best player,” Jackson said.
      “He was better than Pogba. The only player that ran him close was Ravel Morrison, who was an unbelievable talent, but the ups and downs in his world have changed him.”
      WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN
      But it was the pressure of the price tag that would take its toll on young Cofie.
      His prolific streak in front of goal in his formative years began to desert him with the burden of expectation weighing upon him.
      Jackson said: “The price tag was the scary thing and that’s something that I wanted to protect him from.
      “The £1.25m price tag at the time was ridiculous for such a young boy and the press got hold of that pretty quickly. I wouldn’t have released that if I was Burnley or Manchester United.
      “I think that was probably the beginning of the downfall of how that was going to go in my opinion. That’s the sad thing about football when you’re putting price tags on academy players.
      In 2013, Manchester United released CofieCredit: Pacemaker Press
      Jackson believes the price tag put too much pressure on CofieCredit: Instagram
      “It’s just madness. He went there, he was doing well but that price tag, later on, played its part. It’s a lot of pressure.”
      END OF THE ROAD
      By 2013, Cofie ended up on football’s scrapheap.
      He was released by United after several loans away at Royal Antwerp, Sheffield United and Notts County.
      During that period, he admittedly “fell out of love” with the game.
      “It was no shock to me because as I was growing up I was picking up what happened behind the scenes, going on loan I was getting an idea of what the industry was like,” Cofie told the Manchester Evening News.
      After he left United, Cofie became a journeyman footballerCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Sun
      Southport FC was one of the many clubs who Cofie tried to resurrect his career atCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Sun
      “Nothing in football surprises me, if you’re good enough they will keep you, if not then it’s bye.
      “It wasn’t an issue for me when it came. I sat down with Fergie, he was holding meetings with players anyway but I wanted to see him a few weeks earlier, he said what he had to say, I said what I had to say and that was that.
      “I left with my head held high.”
      THE AFTER LIFE
      Once he left United, Cofie became somewhat of a journeyman.
      Uninspired spells in Norway, Wales and even Northern Ireland failed to inspire him and game-time and injuries didn’t help his cause.
      So, in 2020 – at the age of just 27 – it was no surprise that he decided to hang up his boots.
      Now, he has joined his old mentor Jackson again at Moorland School, where he helps coach young kids who aspire to be the next football superstar.
      “Because John has played at a good level and played with some of the best players in the world, there’s ready-made advice for the kids,” Jackson explained.
      In 2020, at the age of just 27, Cofie hung up his bootsCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times
      Cofie is now back at Moorland School alongside Jackson as a mentor and coach for the kidsCredit: Instagram

      “It’s great to have him back, his enthusiasm hasn’t changed, he’s still got the same attitude to life, which is good. He’s not allowed football to define him, which is a big thing. Football can do that, good, bad or indifferent.
      “It’s been good to bring him back because he’s been able to speak to the kids about his past, present and what could potentially be their future.”
      Man Utd show off ‘Dr Rashford MBE’ jersey after hero forward awarded honorary doctorate from University of Manchester More

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      Donny van de Beek snubbed from Holland squad AGAIN as Man Utd exile continues following bench tantrum vs Villarreal

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      DONNY VAN DE BEEK has been left out of the Netherlands squad for the second time in a row after being dropped by Manchester United.Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues to overlook the midfielder, resulting in an angry reaction during the win over Villarreal in midweek.
      Donny van de Beek has not added to his 19 Holland caps since MarchCredit: AFP
      But the Norwegian is not the only one after Oranje coach Louis van Gaal once again refused to call up Van de Beek.
      The Dutch face Latvia and Gibraltar in this month’s World Cup qualifiers but will do so without the former Ajax star.
      Tottenham’s Steven Bergwijn has also been dropped after Arsenal target Noa Lang was preferred by Van Gaal.
      Van de Beek last appeared for his country in March and was ruled out of Euro 2020 through injury.
      Called up to the preliminary squad for last month’s qualifiers, he failed to make the final cut as Van Gaal demanded more from the 24-year-old.
      The veteran boss stated: “I told him that he needs to start playing games.”

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET RONALDO TO SCORE A PENALTY AND MAN UTD TO WIN AT 100/1
      Van de Beek has played only three times this season, spending six full games watching on from the bench.
      Solskjaer stated ahead of Saturday’s game with Everton that the player will have to deal with his frustration after not being selected to come on in the Champions League.
      He told reporters on Friday: “We manage a squad full of international footballers, competitive footballers who want to make a difference and want to play, they all want to be on the pitch.
      “Donny was ready to come on.
      “I’ve been a sub more than anyone at this club properly and you have to be ready all the time.
      “I’ve been unhappy a few times. I understand the frustration.
      As soon as I see players affecting the team negatively then I’ll probably be firmerOle Gunnar Solskjaer
      “Every player is keen to play, that’s got to be built into energy and determination for when you get on and show me.”
      Despite Van de Beek’s reaction to being overlooked, Solskjaer insisted that there is no wider issue with him.
      He added: “Donny has never affected his team-mates negatively.
      “As soon as I see players affecting the team negatively then that’s a different scenario and I’ll probably be firmer.”

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      Man Utd’s Donny van de Beek caught throwing chewing gum in dugout after Solskjaer snubs him in favour of Fred More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo causes huge splash as he drives through massive puddle in £160k Lamborghini on way to Man Utd training

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO made a splash as he rocked up to Manchester United training in a £160,000 – and soaking wet – Lamborghini.Friday’s final workout before facing Everton kicked off in damp conditions in the north west.
      Cristiano Ronaldo drove through the rain to reach training on FridayCredit: Cavendish
      The striker arrived in a £160,000 Lamborghini UrusCredit: Cavendish
      It has already been an eventful week for club and player, after Ronaldo’s last-ditch winner in the Champions League clash with Villarreal.
      The Portuguese superstar has also been giving his take on his manager’s tactics, reportedly calling for a higher tempo to provide him with service.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was nonetheless full of praise for his man ahead of the lunchtime kick-off.
      The boss lauded: “[Ronaldo] has had a great impact on and off the pitch.
      “Five goals in five games at his age says everything. You’ve got to manage him, he’s a very good example for everyone. Long may it continue.”
      Ronaldo was behind the wheel of a Lamborghini Urus, the £160,000 4×4 released in 2018 by the Italian luxury car manufacturer.

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      A twin-turbocharged V8 engine powers what is described as the world’s first ‘Super’ SUV, which can hit speeds of 189mph.
      It is not known whether the Lambo is part of Ronaldo’s extensive personal collection, or if he is renting it having only recently arrived in Manchester.
      In May, the Portuguese star shipped a number of his supercars back to Spain amid rumours he would leave Juventus.

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      Cristiano Ronaldo praises Old Trafford crowd after Man Utd victory against Villarreal More

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      Jesse Lingard is the man to save under-pressure Solskjaer not Cristiano Ronaldo or Bruno Fernandes, say shock stats

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is feeling the pressure after a tough run of results for Manchester United – so can Jesse Lingard save him?Cristiano Ronaldo notched the vital goal against Villarreal in midweek to provide only a second win in five games.

      But, having been denied a winner of his own by a great save, it was super sub Lingard who set up the magical moment with a smart knockdown.
      And the 28-year-old is United’s most efficient contributor following the early weeks of the season.
      After only 136 minutes of action he has two goals and an assist, helping his team score every 45 minutes he is on the pitch.
      These include the Premier League matchwinner against West Ham last month and Tuesday’s assist, plus the sealer against Newcastle.
      All of these moments came off the bench for Lingard, who also played well in his lone start against the Hammers in the League Cup.
      The stats suggest that hitting the back of the net has not been a huge difficulty for the Red Devils this season.

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET RONALDO TO SCORE A PENALTY AND MAN UTD TO WIN AT 100/1
      Ronaldo has registered at a rate better than a goal-a-game since rejoining while Paul Pogba has contributed seven assists, averaging one every 96 minutes.
      Fernandes, who missed a critical penalty against Aston Villa, still has four goals and two assists.
      Among the players yet to get firing are Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho, Juan Mata and Edinson Cavani, although the Uruguayan has only played 46 minutes this season.
      Lingard is also among the Premier League’s most efficient scorers.
      Brentford’s Marcus Forss tops the list thanks to his tally of five League Cup goals with Roberto Firmino completing the top three.
      One of United’s biggest issues has been conceding untimely goals, although Lingard takes the blame for gifting Young Boys their late strike.

      Everton travel to Old Trafford on Saturday with the England star hoping to earn a start, having earned a fresh call-up to the national team squad.
      Solskjaer admitted after the Villarreal victory that Lingard is ‘unhappy’ with his super-sub role.
      He told reporters: “Jesse is unhappy at not playing more.
      “But you come on and make an impact. That’s what you do when you’re a sub at this level.”

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      Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes force Jesse Lingard to celebrate with Man Utd fans after refusal against West Ham More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘holds talks with Solskjaer as he demands Man Utd team-mates get him the ball more quickly’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been asked by Cristiano Ronaldo to get the ball to him more quickly.The 36-year-old has never been afraid to call the shots when he feels his teams are struggling and the Red Devils are still adapting to their new front-man following his deadline day arrival.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is hoping for more moments such as his goal past VillarrealCredit: Reuters
      A tally of five goals since his return, at a rate of one every 86 minutes, suggests he is not finding it hard to hit the back of the Old Trafford net.
      But Ronaldo’s insatiable thirst has reportedly led to him getting involved at the tactics board.
      According to ESPN, the Portuguese superstar has told Solskjaer and his coaching staff that he will score even more goals if the team up the tempo.
      According to reports, he particularly wants the defenders to move the ball forward more quickly.
      The Man Utd backroom staff are reportedly happy that summer signing Raphael Varane has improved the defence’s ability on the ball.
      But Solskjaer is working on the training ground on ways to speed up the transition from defence to attack.

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET RONALDO TO SCORE A PENALTY AND MAN UTD TO WIN AT 100/1
      Ronaldo once again rescued United with a late winner against Villarreal on Tuesday night.
      Alex Telles revealed after the game that the Portugues superstar had voiced his frustration at a lack of service.
      The left-back told TNT Sports: “So, it was the first time I’ve played with him.
      “Off the pitch, we already have this closer relationship because we speak Portuguese.
      Ronaldo was a little upset that we didn’t get any balls to him.Alex Telles
      “And five minutes before he was a little upset that we didn’t get any balls to him.
      “I said, ‘It will arrive, it will arrive, stay concentrated because it will arrive’. And as soon as I went off, Ronaldo doesn’t need much, right?
      “We know his quality, we see it on a daily basis. So it only took one ball in the box and he gave us the victory. It’s a dream.”

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      Cristiano Ronaldo praises Old Trafford crowd after Man Utd victory against Villarreal More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo so committed to training the Sir Alex Ferguson would have to FORCE him to go home, reveals Nicky Butt

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO spent so long on the training ground that Sir Alex Ferguson ordered him to leave because it was too close to a game.The legendary boss feared the young Ronaldo would wear himself out perpetually practising all his trick, flicks and skills.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is BACK at Manchester United – and already making wavesCredit: Getty
      Butt saw the supreme talents of Cristiano Ronaldo at first handCredit: Action Images
      Nicky Butt came off when Ronaldo made his first Manchester United debut in 2003 and in the new book “Viva Ronaldo”, Butt reveals the secrets of Ronaldo’s determination to make it to the top.
      Butt said: “Ronaldo was to emerge as a genius but it wasn’t just about his talents that took him right to the top.
      “It is often said that certain players worked hard, stayed behind for some extra training or to practise their techniques, but with Cristiano it was total dedication, total commitment, and total hard work.
      “He didn’t have a God given physique, it wasn’t given, he worked hard to achieve it. He actually came to us as a skinny, scrawny young kid, and worked hard to get that physique over many, may years.
      “He had to reach a new level of physical strength because the Premier League demanded it, and he had plenty of opportunity to see at first hand how physical and tough it can be when he was up against, even in training, the likes of Roy Keane and Jaap Stam.
      “We would also see him work relentlessly on his free kicks and he would tell us about something he had seen somewhere, and he wanted to perfect it, and he would work again relentlessly until he did.

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      “It all went beyond dedication, he was obsessed with football.
      “You see it all the time when some players talk about their dedication and how much extra practise they put in.
      “But often it is little more than a pretence, maybe a touch more time practising and then rush off to do something else they are keen on, or can’t wait to go home and have something to eat, but rarely do you find someone totally committed 24/7 to the game, but Cristiano was one of those.
      “He never had a girlfriend back then, or seemed that interested in any distractions such as that, he never had a wife and kids to rush back to see or to entertain, he lived alone.
      “He was the last to leave the building. In fact, you couldn’t get him off the training pitch as he worked relentlessly on his techniques, as we all walking off he was carrying a bag of balls to work on those techniques.
      “We would be having lunch in the canteen or getting ready to go home and you could hear the voice of Sir Alex bellowing across the training fields at two or three o’clock in the afternoon, shouting at Cristiano that it was time to get off the pitch as ‘we have a game in two days – enough now’!”
      He has returned just at the right time to this club, we’re crying out to regain that old successful winning formula and entertaining footballNicky ButtOn Cristiano Ronaldo
      When he was replaced by Ronaldo against Bolton, Butt recalls: “As the change was made on the touchline I said to Cristiano, ‘good luck, enjoy it’.
      “We were all aware that it wouldn’t be easy for an 18 year old coming to a new country and playing in a league where the intensity and pace is far greater than he had ever been used to in Portuguese football.
      “The first thing he did when Cristiano came on was to dribble at people and he immediately got the fans on their feet with his trickery.
      “We all appreciated that people in Manchester deserved to be entertained when they spent their hard earned money to come to watch us, and here they got an early glimpse of this new boy Cristiano Ronaldo and they loved what they could see of him. Nothing seemed to faze him.”
      Butt knew he would comeback ‘home”, adding: “He showed loyalty to the club that gave him his big chance.
      “He has returned just at the right time to this club, we’re crying out to regain that old successful winning formula and entertaining football. Make no mistake, he has created an incredible buzz about the place.”
      Viva Ronaldo!: The Second Coming of Cristiano, Out Now by Harry Harris, Foreword by Nicky Butt, Empire Publishing £9.95
      Butt believes Ronaldo can get United back to greatnessCredit: Reuters
      Cristiano Ronaldo vows to bring back glory days to Man Utd and thanks fans for inspiring last-gasp Villarreal victory More

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      Man Utd verdict: Immortal Cristiano Ronaldo was always going to produce on record breaking Champions League night

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      WE should have known he’d come up with something special to mark his place in the record books.When has Cristiano Ronaldo ever done anything on the same lines as other mere mortals?
      Record-breaking Cristiano Ronaldo stole the show again after a quiet night against Villarreal in the Champions League
      The night he edged clear of Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas on 178 Champions League appearances, more than anyone in this competition’s glorious history.
      And the night he waited until deep into the final minute of stoppage time to turn an instantly forgettable evening into one those here at Old Trafford will always remember.
      Okay, nothing like the prize on offer the last time he pulled on a red shirt in the Champions League at this ground, but boy, certainly as dramatic as most of the rest.
      Seconds left, a game when his one sniff of a goal had been a way over the top header from barely six yards out and there it was, suddenly, staring him in the face.
      A deep cross from Fred, a nod back from Ronaldo, a stretched boot by Jesse Lingard… and there he was, bang in front of keeper Geronimo Rulli and the goal gaping.
      Yes, yes, yes, no prizes for guessing what came next. A drilled finish, the ball in the back of the net off Rulli’s hand, and Ronaldo racing to the touchline tearing his shirt off.

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      Booked, of course, but did he care? Did the vast majority of those inside this most famous of stadiums give a monkey’s? Did they hell.
      Oh, and just for good measure it stretched his all-time Champions League goalscoring record to 136 as well.
      All a million miles away, too, from all that had gone before.
      For up to that point the only thing of note was a hugely comedic moment with fellow 36-year-old Raul Albiol.
      The Villarreal veteran was booked for grabbing him round the waist to ensure he went no further as he raced away. Rather like two pensioners fighting for the last seat on the bus.
      Talking of going no further, at that point, indeed for huge chunks of the game, you wouldn’t have stuck much on Ronaldo going much further than the group stages in this year’s comepetition either.
      Everyone knew that flying start he made had to come to a halt at some stage. As he toiled against the Spaniards, though, it seemed to have come a little earlier than we all expected.

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      Especially on the back of a pretty toothless performance – although then again the whole United team was – against Aston Villa on Saturday.
      You wouldn’t have stuck a brass farthing on what was to come. Another last gasp Champions League winner, another headline act from you know who.
      And another night of United fans pouring out in delighted glee as their favourite chant of Viva Ronaldo echoed into the Manchester air.
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      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer jokes Gary Neville ‘always has lot to say, even in the dressing room’ as he responds to his comments More