Juventus have claimed Manchester United's 'traditional' approach for Cristiano Ronaldo left rivals Manchester City flailing behind in the race for the forward's signature.
City were keen on the idea of Ronaldo moving to the Etihad last month after their pursuit of Tottenham's Harry Kane came to an end.
But once United got word of City's involvement they ramped up their efforts to bring the striker back to Old Trafford, blowing their neighbours out of the running.
However, Juve's director of football Federico Cherubini has seemingly suggested City were never close to snapping up Ronaldo as they failed to meet their demands for a transfer.
Asked why Juve didn't sell the 36-year-old to City, Cherubini told Tuttosport: “There weren’t the right conditions to do so.
“ Manchester United behaved differently, as a club with tradition."
United agreed to stump up a total of €15million (£12.8m) for Ronaldo, spread out in five separate installments of €3m over the duration of his contract, while it appears City wanted him only on a free transfer.
Juventus ' financial problems made selling Ronaldo a fairly straightforward decision, as they were keen to get his extortionate salary off the books.
And Cherubini conceded that once Ronaldo knew he wanted to leave, there was little other choice they could have made.
"There couldn’t be a different end, given the way Ronaldo had spoken to us," he continued. "We couldn’t force a player to stay in a context that he didn’t recognise anymore.
“We respect Ronaldo, but I share the same view as our President: ‘Juventus’ history is made by great champions, coaches and directors, but the club remains the most important thing.
“I must say that sometimes in the past, we had to pay to part ways with some players.
“In this case, with other clubs [City], we wouldn’t be able to get anything at all.”
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Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri has also given his thoughts on the departure of the club's talisman, by agreeing they had done the right thing in sanctioning his exit before his contract expired next year.
"Ronaldo didn't want to play for Juventus anymore, so he returned to United," Allegri said.
"It would have been his last season at Juventus, so we anticipated what we would have done next summer.
"Cristiano spent three amazing years at Juventus and we wish him the best, but life goes on."
He added: "I don't like to think about what could have happened, in life you need to be practical.
"Here at Juventus, the group has always won trophies, not the single footballer."
Ronaldo is now set to make his second debut for United in the clash with Newcastle at Old Trafford on Saturday.
OIe Gunnar Solskjaer has declared Ronaldo will definitely play some part in the fixture.
The United boss said at a press conference: "He has been having a good pre-season with Juventus, he has played for the national team.
"He has had a good week with us here and he will definitely be on the pitch at some point that is for sure."
