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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s body transformation from weedy teen in 2003 Man Utd training to hulking star ahead of second debut

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has come a long way since his first Manchester United debut 18 years ago – both on the pitch and physically.The 36-year-old Portuguese legend is back at Old Trafford after completing his remarkable return to the Red Devils on transfer deadline day from Juventus.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for his second debut at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      The veteran has undergone an incredible transformation into the hulking star we know todayCredit: Getty
      He was a skinny teenager when he arrived from Sporting Lisbon back in 2003Credit: Getty
      He showed off his incredible physique last week after scoring twice for Portugal against the Republic of IrelandCredit: Rex
      United supporters, some of whom even chased after his £160,000 Lamborghini after training today, are desperate to see him wearing the club’s colours again.
      So much so that tickets for his expected second coming against Newcastle on Saturday are selling for as much as £2,500.
      There is still a slight doubt whether or not the former Real Madrid ace will start or come off the bench.
      However, there is zero doubt that the veteran’s body is in completely different shape to his first ever outing for United.
      The forward was a work in progress when he arrived at Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon as an 18-year-old.
      He made his original bow for them on August 16, 2003, during a 4-0 win over Bolton.

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      But even though Ronaldo, who replaced Nicky Butt that day shortly after the hour mark, was already taking care of himself, he was nothing like the Adonis you see today.
      And Ronaldo has previously recalled how some felt he was a little too weedy to make it big as a young kid – leading to his incredible desire and work to transform his body into the hulking monster you still see.
      He revealed previously: “I remember the first time I heard one of the kids say to another kid, ‘Did you see what he did? This guy is a beast.’
      “I started hearing it all the time. Even from the coaches. Then somebody would always say, ‘Yeah but it’s a shame he’s so small.’
      “It’s true, I was skinny. I had no muscle. So I made a decision at 11 years old.
      “I knew I had a lot of talent, but I decided that I was going to work harder than everybody.
      “I started sneaking out of the dormitory at night to go work out. I got bigger and faster.
      “I would walk onto the field, and the people who used to whisper, ‘Yeah, but he’s so skinny,’ now they would be looking at me like it was the end of the world.”

      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who models his own range of underwear, stays in such amazing shape through a number of high-intensity workouts five times a week.
      He gave his legions of fans into what they involve several years ago, saying: “We do a lot of sprinting drills in training and they can be incorporated into your workout whether you are in the gym or outdoors.
      “Try and add it to every workout you do. Fit in exercise wherever you can.
      “You can do an abs workout in your bedroom when you wake up in the morning or before you go to bed.
      “If you get into a routine then it makes it easier as it will become a habit.”
      Push-ups are important for Cristiano Ronaldo’s upper body strengthCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      Push-ups, bench presses and bench dips are all key to Ronaldo’s training regimeCredit: Nike / Instagram / @cristiano
      Cristiano Ronaldo previously arrived at Man utd in 2003 as a weedy teenCredit: Getty
      He made his debut that August against Bolton as a sub to replace Nicky ButtCredit: Getty
      That explains Ronaldo’s incredible athleticism, but what about his ripped physique?
      CR7 regularly updates his social media accounts with pictures of himself training.
      For Ronaldo’s upper-body, push-ups, bench presses and bench dips are all key, while pull-ups work the shoulders and back.
      Sit-ups, side planks and medicine ball routines hone his toned tummy by working the core.
      Ronaldo even sells his own £350 ‘Abs Fit and Twin Body Fit’ set, which he claims helps train abs, biceps, triceps and quads.
      And just in case anyone had any doubts that he was starting to let himself slip, he showed off his incredible physique again last week after his late winner for Portugal against Republic of Ireland, just days after sealing his return to United.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford

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      Cristiano Ronaldo chased by adoring Man Utd fans as he leaves training session in £160,000 Lamborghini

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO was chased by adoring fans as he left Manchester United training today as they eagerly await the second coming of the Portuguese icon.The 36-year-old is preparing for his second chapter at the Theatre of Dreams after re-signing from Juventus and rocked up to work earlier in a £160,000 Lamborghini.
      Cristiano Ronaldo arrived for training in a silver LamborghiniCredit: Reuters
      The Manchester United star gave a thumbs-up to photographersCredit: Reuters
      The superstar’s car was then mobbed by fans waiting at the gate of United’s training HQCredit: Zenpix
      Supporters then chased the legendary forward as he sped away from his day’s workCredit: Zenpix
      United take on Newcastle this Saturday at Old Trafford in the non-televised Premier League clash with the Newcastle.
      Red Devils fans are anxiously awaiting news of whether he will make the starting line-up for the showdown with the Magpies.
      But fans are that desperate to catch a glimpse of him in the famous red shirt again that tickets are being sold for £2,5000.
      And the superstar continued his preparations today for his potential bow at Carrington in thoroughly Mediterranean conditions.
      The striker flashed a thumbs-up to photographers as he drove into the United training base behind a pair of sunglasses.
      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.
      But he had his pedal to the mettle as over-eager supporters raced after the motor as he left the training ground earlier.
      In May, the Portuguese star shipped a number of his supercars back to Spain amid rumours he would leave Juventus.
      The streets of Manchester could soon welcome the Ferrari Monza, Rolls Royce, Mercedes G-Wagon and the various Bugattis owned by Ronaldo.

      The player and his family are setting up in a seven-bedroom, £6million Cheshire mansion.
      But SunSport have revealed that he may not be able to hit top gear around his new hometown, due to a potential 20mph speed limit.
      Council officials in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, want the restriction imposed as the village is already blighted by petrolheads showing off their motors.
      In more immediate matters, Manchester United hope to welcome Ronaldo back to the squad for Saturday’s 3pm kick-off at home to Newcastle.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer held talks with the new arrival earlier this week before he got to work on the training pitch.

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      Supercar-loving Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo faces 20mph speed limit at new £6m village home More

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      Man Utd fans form HUGE queue for Cristiano Ronaldo No7 shirt as sales continue to soar after sensational transfer return

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans queued in their droves this morning to get their hands on a Cristiano Ronaldo No7 shirt.The excitement is still at fever pitch after the 36 year old completed a sensational return to Old Trafford.
      Man Utd fans queued to buy the new Cristiano Ronaldo N07 shirt
      Sales continue to soar of Ronaldo’s No7 shirt
      Cristiano Ronaldo is back at Man Utd and back wearing the No7Credit: Manchester United FC
      Ronaldo is expected to make his debut against Newcastle on September 11 after the international break.
      And in the meantime United fans are determined to get kitted out to pay tribute to their returning hero.
      There was no sign of Sunday being a ‘rest day’ in the North West as hundred queued outside Old Trafford to pick up some new clobber.
      And records have already been broken before he has kicked a ball.
      In just four hours following the announcement that Ronaldo would wear the iconic shirt, United’s online store surpassed the highest day of sales ever on a single sports merchandise site outside of North America.
      The club’s online shop is run by Fanatics, who work with more than 300 clubs around the world and top sports leagues.
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      The first hour of sales alone surpassed the best ever full day of global sales for United Direct, the official club merchandise site.
      Across the Fanatics network, Ronaldo became the biggest selling player ever in the 24 hours following a transfer to a new club.

      He overtook Lionel Messi joining PSG, Bryce Harper moving to Philadelphia Phillies in baseball, Tom Brady joining Tampa Bay Buccaneers in American football and LeBron James to LA Lakers in basketball.
      It comes as Ronny flew in by private jet for his Manchester United return — and set up home in a stunning multi- million pound mansion.
      The Portuguese superstar’s plane touched down at the city’s airport at 5.40pm on Thursday after travelling from Faro.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez are back in ManchesterCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      Man United fans rush to snap up Ronaldo shirts at Old Trafford More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo sent classy message by GOAT rival Pele after completing Man Utd return transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED superstar Cristiano Ronaldo received a touching message from Brazil legend Pele after his return to Old Trafford.Ronaldo sealed a blockbuster £21million return to United on deadline day from Juventus and looks set to make his debut against Newcastle on September 11.
      The legendary Pele congratulated Cristiano Ronaldo on his Manchester United returnCredit: Reuters
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s homecoming has caught the attention of the entire world and football great Pele couldn’t help reaching out to his fellow GOAT – especially after reading his message to Red Devils fans.
      Pele was very moved by Ronaldo’s statement as he knows a lot about home, having spent almost his entire career in Brazil with Santos before rolling credits at New York Cosmos in 1977.
      Although the Portugal international broke the 80-year-old’s record for most goals in official matches back in March, the two men still share a strong friendship.
      Pele said: “There is no better feeling than conquering the world and returning home. Always be happy, Cristiano.”
      Ronaldo had posted on Instagram: “Everyone who knows me, knows about my never ending love for Manchester United.
      “The years I spent in this club were absolutely amazing and the path we’ve made together is written in gold letters in the history of this great and amazing institution.

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      “I can’t even start to explain my feelings right now, as I see my return to Old Trafford announced worldwide.
      “It’s like a dream come true, after all the times that I went back to play against Man United, and even as an opponent, to have always felt such love and respect from the supporters in the stands. This is absolutely 100% the stuff that dreams are made of!
      “My first domestic League, my first Cup, my first call to the Portuguese National team, my first Champions League, my first Golden Boot and my first Ballon d’Or, they were all born from this special connection between me and the Red Devils.
      Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo issued a rallying cry to supportersCredit: Getty

      “History has been written in the past and history will be written once again! You have my word!
      “I’m right here! I’m back where I belong! Let’s make it happen once again!
      “PS – Sir Alex [Ferguson], this one is for you…”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed as number 7 with new Man Utd shirt More

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      Jesse Lingard ‘rejected permanent transfer to West Ham this summer to fight for Man Utd future’ after loan spell

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      JESSE LINGARD reportedly REJECTED a permanent move to West Ham to stay and fight for his Manchester United future.The England man enjoyed a stunning loan spell with the Hammers last season that thrust him back into contention for Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad.
      Jesse Lingard reportedly turned down a permanent switch to West HamCredit: AFP
      Unfortunately after making the provisional squad, he failed to make the final cut.
      He did however feature off the bench for the 4-0 World Cup qualifying win against Hungary last week.
      Now, 90min.com is reporting that Lingard ‘made it clear to the club that he did not want to return to the London Stadium’.
      The 28-year-old apparently ‘communicated to joint chairman David Sullivan personally’ with his intentions.
      Lingard has even more competition in the attacking positions at Old Trafford following the arrival of returning hero Cristiano Ronaldo.
      The Warrington-born star has played just four minutes so far this season, coming off the bench in the 1-1 draw with Southampton.
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      After West Ham were spurned in their pursuit of Lingard, they decided to shell out £25.7million for Nikola Vlasic.
       West Ham decided not to wait around for a late change of mind from Lingard in case they got caught out.
      As a result, they completed the deal for former Everton man Vlasic which could rise to £33m if add-ons are met.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Anthony Joshua trolls Jesse Lingard after beating Man United ace on Fifa with arch-rivals Liverpool More

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      Man Utd’s best and worst No 7s ever from George Best to Angel Di Maria as Ronaldo prepares to pull on famous shirt

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO will return to Old Trafford on Saturday — and rightfully reclaims the iconic No 7 shirt he graced in his first stint.It was made famous by George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and David Beckham — producing their own thrilling football with the number on their backs.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is BACK at Man Utd – and back in that famous No7 shirtCredit: Manchester United FC
      But for many who have worn it since Ronaldo and his CR7 brand left in 2009, it has also proved a heavy burden.
      Here, SunSport’s Manchester United reporter NEIL CUSTIS looks at the hits and misses in that magical jersey.
      HITS
      GEORGE BEST (1963-74)
      In full flight, there was no more thrilling sight — perhaps until Ronaldo himself came along.
      The first flickering black-and- white images of Best on the ball helped to make Manchester United the global name it is today.
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      When you consider the pitches the 1968 European Cup winner worked his magic on as well, it makes his skill all the more remarkable.
      In his time at the club he made 470 appearances — scoring 179 goals.
      George Best is almost as iconic to football as Man Utd areCredit: PA:Press Association
      BRYAN ROBSON (1981-94)
      The original Captain Marvel will forever be revered for his swashbuckling displays — many of which have gone down in the annals of history at Old Trafford.
      And the 1983-84 European Cup Winners Cup quarter-final was the greatest of all, as Diego Maradona’s Barcelona came to Manchester with a 2-0 lead from the first leg.
      Cue Robson’s greatest night. He inspired United to a remarkable 3-0 win, scoring twice himself. He never left anything out there.
      Bryan Robson was captain fantastic for UnitedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      DAVID BECKHAM (1992-2003)
      It is a shame for him that his looks and celebrity status are talked about so much, that his actual footballing ability can be forgotten.
      But there are few to match him when it came to delivering a dead ball, crosses from the wing or balls through from deep, with the speed and accuracy that he did.
      He never did tap-ins either, with an eye for the spectacular — starting from the day he delivered that famous goal from the halfway line against Wimbledon.
      David Beckham racked up a brilliant number of assists during his time at UnitedCredit: Getty
      ERIC CANTONA (1992-1997)
      The catalyst for the Sir Alex glory years. With his collar up and that strut he brought a swagger and arrogance to a side that needed a spark having blown the title in 1992 — to Cantona’s Leeds.
      Glory followed him to Old Trafford, where in five years he won four titles and two FA Cups, scoring 82 goals in 185 appearances.
      And just like that he was gone again — but certainly never to be forgotten.
      Eric Cantona will go down in United folklore as an integral part of the clubCredit: PA
      STEVE COPPELL (1975-1983)
      Not as high profile and headline-grabbing as some others — but those who watched Coppell fly down the wing in the Seventies and Eighties will testify as to why his name should be up there.
      He wore that No 7 in three FA Cup finals, including the 2-1 victory over Liverpool in 1977.
      Steve Coppell was a speedy winger who gave the opposition nightmaresCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      MISSES
      MEMPHIS DEPAY (2015-2017)
      It says everything about where Barcelona are at now that the Dutchman plies his trade there.
      He was pursued by Liverpool and Arsenal before Louis van Gaal persuaded him to come to United.
      Eighteen forgettable months later, the winger was gone.
      He moaned early on about having to play two games a week and never lived up to his billing.
      Probably best remembered for arriving on international duty dressed like a ‘Peruvian pan flute player’, according to Dutch coach Co Adriaanse.
      Big things were expected from Memphis when he arrived at Old Trafford – but he never deliveredCredit: Getty
      ANGEL DI MARIA (2014-2015)
      Goodness me, Van Gaal picked them, didn’t he?
      To be fair, Di Maria’s failed spell at Old Trafford was as much down to Van Gaal as the player, who he tried to shackle with his mind-numbing tactics.
      Let’s leave it to Di Maria to talk about the honour of wearing the famous shirt: “I didn’t give a f*** about the Manchester United No 7, at first they talked to me a lot about it — it was just a shirt.
      “My problem at Manchester was the coach. Van Gaal was the worst of my career.” Fair to say no statues are planned.
      Angle Di Maria endured a torrid spell at Man Utd – but blamed the managerCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      ALEXIS SANCHEZ (2018-2020)
      Never has so much been paid to deliver so little. His attitude stank — and so did his performances.
      The most expensive free transfer in history, as Henrikh Mkhitaryan went the other way in January 2018.
      He cost United over £60million in wages, add-ons, signing-on fees etc and his return was 45 appearances and five goals. They could not get him out the door quick enough.
      Alexis Sanchez had a terrible time of it at Old Trafford after joining from ArsenalCredit: Getty – Contributor

      MICHAEL OWEN (2009-2012)
      Given that he arrived on a pay-as-you-play deal, it is fair to say the striker did not cost United quite as much as Sanchez.
      Owen scored just five Prem goals for United. But he will never be forgotten for that last-gasp goal in a 4-3 win in one of the greatest Manchester derbies of all time in 2009.
      Still, for someone so heavily connected with arch rivals Liverpool, the United No 7 just didn’t sit right on his shoulders for many fans.
      Michael Owen also wore the No7 – but wasn’t the player he once wasCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed as number 7 with new Man Utd shirt More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo shirt number at Man Utd confirmed after completing stunning return to Old Trafford from Juventus

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO will wear the No 7 shirt on his return to Manchester United.The Red Devils have confirmed Ronaldo will be reunited with the legendary number he wore in his first spell.
      Manchester United have confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will wear the number 7 shirt

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side asked the Premier League to allow a shirt change and now Ronaldo replaces Edinson Cavani, who switches to 21 — the number he wears for Uruguay — after Daniel James left for Leeds.
      Ron said: “I wasn’t sure if it would be possible to have the No 7 shirt again, so I would like to say a huge thank you to Edi for his incredible gesture.”
      Seven is a special number in United’s history with club greats George Best, Bryan  Robson, Eric Cantona and David Beckham all  donning it.
      And the Red Devils can look forward to witnessing Ronaldo back in his shirt at their home ground when he makes his second debut versus Newcastle on September 11.
      Tickets for the game have been flouted online for thousands of pounds.
      Yet the lengthy queues at the Old Trafford shop may leave some fans disappointed.

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      Adidas are facing an untimely shortage of replica shirts.
      The Independent claims the issue is ‘due to Covid-influenced delays in Adidas’ supply line’ amid Ronaldo’s return.
      They had already experienced a significant slowdown in production due to the closure of factories in Vietnam – which could cause a potentially four-month delay. 
      The Asian nation normally contributes 28 per cent of Adidas’ total production.
      The sports manufacturer, on a £750million ten-year deal with United, had made a contingency but the report claims that Ronaldo’s comeback has changed the situation – with a drop-off now expected.
      Ronaldo was given the green light to join up with his new Man Utd team-mates on Thursday after being banned for Portugal’s next World Cup qualifier.
      Ronaldo became the all-time top men’s international goalscorer with his stunning ‘Fergie Time’ winner to break Ireland’s hearts in the 2-1 triumph on Wednesday night.
      But the history-maker, who beat Iran’s Ali Daei’s record to move on to an incredible 111 goals,  was booked for taking off his shirt in  celebration and will miss the qualifier in Azerbaijan on Tuesday.
      A Portugal Football Federation statement read: “Cristiano Ronaldo was excused from the stage of the national team this Thursday.
      “The  yellow card seen against Ireland, being the second in this stage of qualification, forces him to fulfil an official game of suspension.”
      Ronaldo completed his shock move back to Old Trafford from Juventus on deadline day and is in line to make his second debut for the Red Devils against Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday week.

      Reports in Portugal claimed that Ronaldo, 36, would have to spend five days in quarantine.
      But UK rules state that he will just have to have a booked day two PCR test after his arrival in the country if he is vaccinated, or spend ten days in quarantine if not.
      There have been no suggestions from United so far that Ronaldo has to do the full ten-day stint meaning he would be free to be involved against Steve Bruce’s Newcastle.

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      Cristiano Ronaldo say’s he’s so happy to be home in first interview since dream return to Man Utd More

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      How Ed Woodward convinced Man Utd’s Glazer owners to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo in whirlwind 48-hour transfer scramble

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      ED WOODWARD played a crucial role in ensuring the most incredible return in football history happened.Sir Alex Ferguson is understandably hailed for his role in getting Cristiano Ronaldo back with his late phone call to the star.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is back at Manchester United after leaving JuventusCredit: Getty
      Ed Woodward played a crucial role in bringing Ronaldo back to Old TraffordCredit: PA
      But it would not have got near that point without executive vice-chairman Woodward convincing the club’s owners and sponsors in a whirlwind 48 hours that it all made sense.
      Forget the transfer fee for Ronaldo that comes to £12.85million.
      It was the commitment to a wage of £75m if he completes the full three years of his contract for a player who would be 39 at the end of it.
      To a bean-counter, that just did not make sense.
      But while sponsors and the owning Glazer family may look at the bottom line it was Woodward who convinced them how it would work on and off the pitch.
      United fans often ridicule the club for the endless signing up of sponsors – they have 24 – and when executives point to social media figures.
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      In this modern game it all matters.
      While the sponsors might be tied in to current contracts, they are always considering whether to renew.
      Woodward convinced them this Ronaldo deal would really work for them.
      The interest it generated backed that up.
      In the 24 hours after it was revealed, the announcement of Ronaldo’s return on social media was the most liked by a sports team ever with 12.9million likes.
      The announcement on Twitter alone was likewise with 862,000 retweets and two million likes.
      They earned more than 3.7m new followers across the club’s social channels.
      Woodward had always made it clear to Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes that if Ronaldo ever wanted to leave Juventus that they would be interestedNeil CustisSunSport Football Writer
      It was the most talked about transfer ever on Twitter with 2.9m mentions in the first 24 hours, beating Lionel Messi’s move to PSG by 700,000.
      Again all these figures will mean nothing to fans unless the team has more points than Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea at the end of the season.
      But they matter to the people whose sponsorship puts major money into the club, that gets spent on the players, that makes a title winning team and that’s why they are important.
      It is the nous of Ed Woodward and his close friend and group managing director Richard Arnold that has ensured the debt payments which resulted from the Glazer takeover has not hindered their spending power in the transfer market.
      This summer has been one of their most remarkable ever despite the club losing £150m due to the Covid pandemic.
      Jadon Sancho arrived from Borussia Dortmund for £73m and Raphael Varane from Real Madrid for £42.7m and now Ronaldo.
      The restructuring behind the scenes with football director John Murtough now working closely with director of football negotiations Matt Judge in recruitment has also helped create a slicker recruitment model.
      Of course manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has the final say and he is understandably delighted with the work done, not least in getting Ronaldo.
      Woodward had always made it clear to Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes that if Ronaldo ever wanted to leave Juventus that they would be interested.
      Man Utd’s biggest transfers ever, both in and out, including Ronaldo
      It was just the indications were it wasn’t going to happen, that was until the middle of last week when Manchester City’s failure to land Harry Kane triggered their interest in Ronaldo.
      Woodward got straight on the phone and turned things around with Mendes, the club’s owners and sponsors in two days.
      It was then left to Sir Alex to lift the Bat Phone and get the club’s superhero back.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Cristiano Ronaldo say’s he’s so happy to be home in first interview since dream return to Man Utd More