THREAD - Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United - The Story.

Cristiano Ronaldo joined Manchester United in 2003 as a replacement for the outgoing David Beckham. A £12 million transfer was agreed upon, after United’s team begged Sir Alex Ferguson to sign him after playing against Sporting Lisbon in a pre-season friendly.

He would join a Manchester United team in transition, with key players such as Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Solskjaer growing old, and younger players such as Darren Fletcher, Wes Brown and John O’Shea making their mark.

His debut would come against Bolton in 2003. He terrorised the defence, with the great George Best saying: “It was undoubtedly the most exciting debut performance I've ever seen.” He would win a penalty, and showcase his dribbling and playmaking ability. https://amp.twimg.com/v/c38c0421-374a-4018-b8cf-fb27c0e587cd

He would ultimately end the season on 6 goals and 9 assists, winning the FA Cup in the process, while having the most assists in the competition with 4 and scoring in the final. However, Manchester United would finish 15 points behind the legendary Arsenal invincibles.

In 2004/05, Manchester United would add talented young forward Wayne Rooney to their roster in a deal totalling over €30 million. The young core of the team was being developed, and Ronaldo had a young partner to link-up with.

Ronaldo would give one of the most iconic performances of his career, scoring a brace against Arsenal at Highbury, and silencing the Invincibles.

Ronaldo would end the season on a promising 9 goals and 10 assists, however Manchester United would go trophy-less, with Mourinho’s legendary Chelsea side dominating the league, only conceding 15 goals.
Despite the lack of trophies, Manchester United were rebuilding.

In 2005/06, Ronaldo had the best season yet, scoring 12 goals and providing 9 assists as his development continued as a right midfielder. Manchester United would win a League Cup against Wigan, with Ronaldo scoring in the final.

Manchester United would begin to close the gap on Champions Chelsea, finishing 8 points behind Mourinho and co. Ronaldo would make the PFA Team of the Year with teammate Wayne Rooney.

At the 2006 World Cup, Ronaldo would help bait the aggressive Rooney into getting sent off against Portugal, winking at the bench when Rooney was ejected. He became the most hated figure in English football, and you would think hated by his teammate too.

However, the brilliant Sir Alex Ferguson would bring Rooney and Ronaldo into his office to resolve any lingering issues. The hatred of the English public fuelled Ronaldo and United, with Sir Alex creating a siege mentality. Us against them.

How did Ronaldo perform this season? He scored 23 goals and assisted 20 in all competitions, helping Manchester United win their first title in 3 seasons. He was voted PFA+FWA POTY and Young POTY. He also led the premier league in Match Winning goals.

Challenge accepted.

He would score numerous brilliant goals this season, however this was the pick of the bunch. A fantastic solo run to win the game against Fulham.

In 2007/08, Ronaldo and Manchester United would go a level above, winning both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League. Ronaldo would lead scoring in both, while setting a record for most match winners in a single season in the Premier League. He also scored in the UCL final

- 49 apps
- 42 goals
- 8 Assists

-Premier League
-Champions League

-Ballon D’or
-FIFA World POTY
-UEFA Club POTY
-PFA & FWA POTY
-Premier League Golden Boot
-UCL Golden Boot
-European Golden Shoe

What a season.

The 08/09 season would be another impressive year for Ronaldo, notching 26 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, winning another Premier League title. This would complete his first three-peat. He would lead the league in Match Winning Goals for a third season running.

Manchester United would also win a League Cup and Club World Cup this season, with Ronaldo assisting in the final of the latter. Around the same time, Ronaldo would win his first Ballon d’Or.

Despite leading his team to another title and UCL final, United would fall short against a stacked Barcelona side who dominated the midfield on the day. This would be a bitter end to a sweet journey, as he would leave for Real Madrid in the summer of 2009.

292 games
118 goals
69 assists
1 Ballon d’Or
1 FIFA POTY
2 PFA POTY
2 FWA POTY
PL Golden Boot
Golden Shoe
1 Puskas
4 UEFA TOTY
1 UCL
3 PL
1 FA Cup
2 League Cups

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