"Anyone but Real Madrid" - When journalist claimed Sir Alex Ferguson wanted Cristiano Ronaldo to join Barcelona from Manchester United

Legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was reportedly keen on not letting superstar Cristiano Ronaldo join Real Madrid. Instead, the Scotsman wanted the Portuguese icon to join Barcelona, according to journalist Guillem Balague.

Balague told Spanish outlet AS back in 2016 (via Bleacher Report):

"Seeing that he couldn’t persuade Cristiano to stay [at United], he made contact with Barcelona to encourage them to bid. Anyone but Real Madrid. But Cristiano had made up his mind about where he wanted to go."

Having been spotted at Sporting CP, Old Trafford was the place where Ronaldo established himself as one of football's top stars. Towards the end of his tenure, he became one of the most sought-after players in the world, winning his first Ballon d'Or in 2008. Eventually, he left the Red Devils to join Los Blancos for a then-record £80 million fee.

However, Sir Alex was notably a huge critic of the Spanish giants. He once suggested, according to The Telegraph, back in 2008:

“Do you think I would get into a contract with that mob. Jesus Christ, no chance. I wouldn’t sell them a virus.”

Instead, Ferguson wanted Barcelona to make the move for him. While Lionel Messi had led Argentina to the Olympic gold in 2008, he was yet to reach his high levels of football and thus La Blaugrana were asked to sign Ronaldo.

The pair eventually turned out to become club legends for the fierce rivals, going head-to-head in Spain across the 2010s.

Barcelona and Manchester United enter race as Real Madrid interest subsides in Argentinian wonderkid - Reports

Mastantuono has caught the eye of many top clubs across Europe.

Real Madrid are reportedly cooling their interest in Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono. According to Spanish outlet Marca, Barcelona and Manchester United are now entering the race for the 17-year-old.

The report claims that Real Madrid are keen on watching their targets rather discreetly and completing quick deals for them. However, with reports of their links to the player existing throughout the summer, they have expressed unhappiness with the public nature of their interest. They also believe that River Plate may use their interest to drive up the midfielder's price.

Manchester United and Barcelona already have talented midfields, with the Red Devils having the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes while La Blaugrana possess Dani Olmo, Pedri and more. However, the signing of a 17-year-old with high potential could be a smart move for the future.

Mastantuono made his senior debut for River Plate in January 2024, becoming the third-youngest player ever to feature for the club in official competitions. This season, he has made 27 appearances for the club, scoring three goals and giving two assists.