All time greatest team of Manchester United

Left Winger: Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo was discovered by Sir Alex in a pre-season friendly against Sporting Lisbon. Ronaldo performed brilliantly for Sporting in that match and the United management took notice quickly.

The 19-year-old was subsequently signed by United and Ferguson took him under his wings. The uncut diamond was polished and honed at Old Trafford before it dazzled the world with its lustre.

Ronaldo spent 6 seasons at United from 2003 to 2009 and scored 118 goals in 292 matches. During the first few seasons, he played mainly on the wing and scored less. However, in the 2007-08 season, he notched up 42 goals and subsequently was given more attacking freedom. United won the Champions League in 2008 and Ronaldo was the lone goal scorer for them in the final against Chelsea.

He won 3 Premier League titles for United and was the recipient of the coveted Ballon d'Or in 2008. United made it to the Champions’ League final in 2009 too but lost to the great Barcelona side of Pep Guardiola.

Before he left United for Real Madrid in 2009 and went on to achieve even greater heights for the Spanish club, Ronaldo had cemented his place in English club football’s Hall of Fame and even the great George Best felt flattered when he was compared with the Portuguese superstar.