Sir Alex Ferguson “played a massive part” in Cristiano Ronaldo’s sensational return to Manchester United, according to Rio Ferdinand.
On Friday afternoon, United agreed a deal for Ronaldo to return to the club from Juventus - just a day after the Portuguese legend had looked likely to join the Red Devils’ rivals Man City.
Ronaldo, 36, is set to return to Old Trafford 12 years after leaving for Real Madrid, with a deal subject to the agreement of personal terms, visa and a medical.
United appeared to become an option for Ronaldo when manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer held a press conference on Friday afternoon and said their former star “knows that we’re here”.
Solskjaer added that United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has been talking to his compatriot, while Ronaldo’s former team-mate Ferdinand confirmed that Ferguson - who became a father figure to Ronaldo during his United years - also played a key role in the transfer.
"Cristiano and Sir Alex Ferguson have got a bond," Ferdinand said as he celebrated his former team-mate's return on his YouTube channel with a glass of champagne.
"Very few players get to have that in their career with a manager.
“Sir Alex played a massive part.
"There was no way Cristiano was coming to Man United without speaking to Sir Alex.
“Simple as that."
