Former Ireland and Reading winger Stephen Hunt has shared his regrets about not attempting to rattle Ronaldo during his first stint at Manchester United.
The Portuguese forward is set to return to Old Trafford and rejoin his former club in a deal believed to be in the region of €23m.
Recalling the occasions he lined out against the former Juventus player, Hunt has admitted that he had reservations about going in hard on him, such was the power of his presence.
Hunt joined Joe Molloy on Monday’s Football Show and revealed: “When you stand beside Ronaldo, you’ll understand where I’m coming from - he is a real presence.”
“I remember playing [against him] and thinking, ‘right, I’ve got my opportunity to rattle him,’ and I didn’t; I could have, and I don’t know why I didn’t, but maybe it was his presence that put me off.”
“This was back in the old days too, with no VAR, so you could’ve gotten away with it.”
“I regret not hitting him to this day, but at the same time, he had this aura about him where you thought ‘wow, this guy is good.’”
Hunt reckons Ronaldo will stimulate huge improvements at Man United through the magnetism of his personality.
“You got to realise what he will mean for the likes of Sancho and other young players.”
“They will all have grown up watching him and they’ll get so much from watching him every day - it will bring their game on by 10-15%.”
“They also realise how professional Ronaldo is.”
“I think he’ll be a good fit for United - they don’t have a #9 who is ruthless in front of goal.”
“Cavani is good in front of goal, but you would say Ronaldo is better.”
“He was the top goalscorer in Serie A last year; how can you not pick him?”
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