Cristiano Ronaldo is back at Manchester United, the club which he signed for in 2003, know about his career and stats for the club during that time
The news that had shocked the football world was the transfer of Lionel Messi from F.C. Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain. But now the fans are even more excited when they came to know that the Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo is all set to re-join Manchester United, the club which he signed for in 2003.
Cristiano Ronaldo Career With Manchester United: From A Precarious Footballer To The GOAT
An 18-year-old Cristiano was making quite the name for himself in 2002 when he was playing for Sporting Clube de Portuga, also known as Sporting Lisbon. Suddenly, entire Europe was watching this rising star and he caught the eyes of Sir Alex Ferguson, who was Manchester United’s manager at the time.
The Manchester United team was on the plane returning home after playing a pre-season friendly against Sporting Lisbon and the teammates were convincing Sir Alex Ferguson to sign Cristiano Ronaldo. As attention from other clubs started increasing, Sir Alex decided to sign Ronaldo. Thus, on August 12, 2003, Manchester United signed a young Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon for £12.24m and the journey began.
Season 2003-04
On August 16, 2003, a young Cristiano Ronaldo debuted against the Bolton Wanderers in the second half of the game at Old Trafford. After a marvellous performance at the debut, Sir Alex Ferguson said that Ronaldo is “a new hero”. His first start for Manchester United came on August 27, 2003, against the Wolves.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s first goal for Manchester United was on November 1, 2003, against Portsmouth at Old Trafford. This season ended quite well for Cristiano as he had 39 appearances and 8 goals by the season-end. Ronaldo was awarded the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for the 2003-04 season.
Season 2004-05
Ronaldo’s performance for this season was not up to the mark. He ended the 2004-05 season with 50 appearances and 9 goals to his name. Manchester United signed Wayne Rooney, another young talent in the 2004-05 season.
Season 2005-06
This season did not go in Ronaldo’s favour as well. His inconsistent form was becoming a concern for the club. Although, he showed better performance at the 2005-06 Season-end. Ronaldo became a villain when he was playing for Portugal and they faced mighty England in the 2006 World Cup that took place in Germany. Wayne Rooney got sent off in that match with Ronaldo being the villain for the English fans.
Season 2006-07
Rumours about a possible rivalry between Ronaldo and Rooney were heard everywhere. But this season made sure that there was no beef between the two players who changed the course of football. Manchester United won the Premier League title for the 2006-07 Season where the duo played the games with complete team spirit and class, thus rubbishing the rivalry claims. By this season’s end, many clubs had started to take interest in Ronaldo, and Real Madrid was one of them.
Season 2007-08
Ronaldo thrashed all the “inconsistent” claims in this season. Season 2007-08 was arguable Ronaldo’s best performance at Manchester United. Cristiano scored whopping 42 goals in all competitions. Ronaldo’s crucial penalty helped Manchester United seal the league stage of the Champions League and his header against Chelsea at the Champions League 2008 final in Moscow levelled the score 1-1. Manchester United won the Champions League 2008 at penalties against Chelsea on May 21, 2008.
Season 2008-09
An ankle surgery led to a late start to Ronaldo 2008-09 season. He came in as a substitute against Villareal in the Champions League thus marking his return. On November 15, 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 100th goal for Manchester United against Stoke City. 2008 became a wonderful year for Ronaldo. Ronaldo was named the FIFPro Player of the Year in October, and in December he was awarded the grand Ballon d’Or.
A Manchester United player won the Ballon d’Or after 40 years since 1968 when the great George Best won was awarded the trophy. In January 2009, Ronaldo was named the FIFA World Player of the Year Award. He became the first Manchester United player to have won the award. The Red won the PL Title for the third consecutive time in the 2008-09 season and reached the final of the Champions League.
Ronaldo got his third championship medal at Old Trafford after United won against Arsenal merely by a point to seal the title.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Transfer To Real Madrid
After the third consecutive PL Title win, no one thought that Cristiano would leave the Reds. On June 11, 2009, Manchester United announced Ronaldo’s desire to leave. Manchester United also announced that they had accepted Real Madrid’s world record deal offer of £80m for Cristiano’s transfer.
And with that, on July 1, 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United after 6 years.
It is said that “All Roads Lead To Rome.” Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed to become a part of the Reds by signing a €15million deal after 12 years.