Cristiano Ronaldo moves to Manchester United: Sir Alex Ferguson decisive?

The move of Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus Turin to Manchester United is, apart from small details, wrapped up. As reported by several English media, the former Red Devils coach Sir Alex Ferguson played an important role.

Ferguson convinced his former protégé in an emotional phone conversation on Friday morning to opt for Manchester United instead of Manchester City.

“FERGET CITY! A call from Ferguson brought United the fabulous return of Ronaldo,” wrote about the Sun. And the Daily Express stated: “Ronaldo was about to move to the blue half of Manchester. But a call from Ferguson saying he couldn’t bear to see him in sky blue shook everything.”

It is also clear to United legend Rio Ferdinand that the now 79-year-old Ferguson, who represents a kind of father figure for CR7, played the all-important role in the transfer.

“Without the interview with Sir Alex there would have been no chance of a move to United. It’s that simple,” said the former defender of the Sun quoted: “Cristiano Ronaldo and Sir Alex have a bond that few players have had with a manager in their careers.”

Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge of Manchester United from 1986 to 2013. Between 2003 and 2009, Ronaldo matured into a superstar under the wing of the Scotsman.