Alex Ferguson has confirmed his involvement in luring Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford after admitting that he "could not imagine him playing for Manchester City.'
The Scot, who managed the Portuguese star during his first stint at Old Trafford, was in attendance for Ronaldo's second debut on Saturday afternoon.
United ran out comfortable 4-1 winners against Newcastle, with Ronaldo scoring twice, one in either half to set Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men on their way.
There were many people involved in persuading Ronaldo to return, according to Ferguson.
(AP Photo/Rui Vieira)"A lot of people played their part, and I contributed, knowing that, really, Cristiano wanted to come here," Ferguson told Viaplay.
"That was important."
It was a performance that we have come to expect from Ronaldo in recent seasons.
On the periphery for large chunks of the opening half, he struck just before the halftime whistle prodding home inside the six-yard box after Freddie Woodman spilt a deflected shot from Mason Greenwood.
The second came after a direct run into the box saw Ronaldo fed by Luke Shaw. The first touch took the ball out of his feet, the second a low strike that went through Woodman's legs.
Picture date: Saturday September 11, 2021.Naturally, many around the club are buoyant about Ronaldo's return. The excitement will only go into overdrive after his brace on Saturday and Ferguson is as excited as any supporter.
"It is certainly a moment full of excitement and also [a sense of] relief. A lot of relief because I could not imagine him playing for Manchester City.
"I do not think anyone could.
"That is why we made steps to make sure he came here. The club then followed in very well, spoke to the Glazers, and it was done."
(AP Photo/Rui Vieira)Ronaldo will have little time to bask in the glory of his successful Premier League return. United begin their Champions League campaign away to Young Boys in Switzerland on Tuesday evening.
After plenty of uncertainty, it has been confirmed that United will have a full allocation of tickets and away supporters will be allowed into Wankdorf Stadium.
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