Pranav Nair
Rio Ferdinand played a key role in Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Manchester United
According to The Athletic (Subscription Required), Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand played a key role in ensuring Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford this summer.
The Red Devils shocked the footballing world when they announced on Friday night that the Portuguese phenom would return to the Theatre of Dreams. It was here that Ronaldo developed into a world-class player before departing for Real Madrid in 2009.
The 36-year-old is not at the peak of his powers anymore, but he remains a potent player capable of impressing at the top level. Ronaldo in fact won the Golden Boot in Serie A last season.
Former manager Sir Alex Ferguson was influential behind the scenes while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer personally advocated for Ronaldo’s return. However, it was Ferdinand who stepped up to help ensure the deal gets over the line.
The former defender holds no official role at the club. He remains a lifelong Red Devil and acted as an unofficial broker of sorts. Ferdinand advised Ronaldo against tarnishing his image by joining Manchester City who until then were considered frontrunners for his signature.
The 42-year-old used his relationship with United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to good effect and was up until 1.30 am helping seal the deal for Ronaldo. (h/t The Athletic)
Ferdinand took to social media soon after the deal was made official to express himself at the conclusion. The 42-year-old may not take to the field anymore but remains committed to the United cause with the same intensity.
As both he and now Ronaldo have shown, once a Red Devils, always a Red Devil.
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Having also landed Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, along with Tom Heaton, Manchester United have enjoyed a brilliant summer transfer window. The Red Devils now will have to back it up on the field and make winning silverware a habit.
