Thread by @WayneSBarton

He signed as an 18 year old. All of Europe wanted him. We had to act quickly after a performance against us alerted clubs to just how good he was. The United players begged Fergie to sign him. He obliged, very quickly. #Ronaldo #MUFC

A few days later he came as on sub in the first league game against Bolton. Nobody knew what to expect. By the end of the blistering cameo, the crowd at Old Trafford were as breathless as the Wanderers defence.

Honestly, that first season was intoxicating and infuriating. He was capable of the remarkable but, as a youngster learning the game, there were flashes of petulance and inconsistency. He ended the first year scoring in the FA Cup Final

Then came Rooney. Another explosive talent. They both blew very hot and very cold for a while. Between them they put a big tear in the Arsenal invincibles, but the Gunners had the last laugh, winning the FA Cup on pens after being battered by Rooney and Ronnie

We were beginning to get a little frustrated. Still as cold as hot, not really close to Chelsea. But something began to click. Fergie was building his attack around Ronaldo and Rooney. Cristiano scored in another final, the league cup win, in 2006.

Then came the 2006 World Cup. Winkgate. Ronaldo was public enemy number one. There was surely no way he and Rooney could play together again, right? Wrong. Another Fergie master stroke. He instead sold Van Nistelrooy and went all in.

On the first day of 06/07, Ronaldo and Rooney were fantastic together, tearing Fulham to shreds in a first half performance for the ages. Could this pair inspire a first title in four years?

Yes they could. Ronaldo was unbelievable. The potential seemed fulfilled. He was clearly physically stronger. He was there for both the brilliant and crucial moments. Last minute winner v Fulham. Great assist v Bolton. Bravery v City. Champions.

That season there had been a statement performance. @Cristiano led a seminal destruction of Roma. It was one of the greatest individual, and team, performances ever seen in European football. It was a performance that said he had arrived as the greatest player in the world.

Could Cristiano up a gear? @rmeulensteen1 thought so. They had conversations. Stop trying to score the perfect goal. Score *every* goal. So that’s what @Cristiano did. The greatest individual season in generations. Goals goals goals. Trophies.

If you got in your seat fifteen minutes late at Old Trafford that season, chances are it was already 2-0 to United and Ronaldo had scored them both. It was unreal to watch it unfold. How could he be so good? We were winning. Playing fantastically. Maybe Europe success awaited.

And wouldn’t you know it? From 42 goals, often the perfect goal did arrive. His free-kick against Portsmouth and flick goal against Villa were two of the most astounding ever seen in a red shirt. We were watching history unfold. The greatest showcasing magic every week.

His feats were superhuman. He scored a thumping header against Roma that seemed to defy conventional laws of gravity. He was that good. He was literally rewriting expectations, taking them to supreme standards. We had never seen the likes of it.

He scored in the last two league games as United won the title again. The best player in the best team. He had secured his place as one of the greatest players in the history of the club.

He would get the Ballon d’Or he coveted if United won the European Cup. He scored a great goal. Missed a pen. But we won on pens - and he got the personal accolade he richly deserved. He was officially the greatest.

What set Cristiano apart was his desire to be the greatest ever, and the belief he could do it. This drive elevated United in the following season, even though it was clear he now coveted a move to Real Madrid.

He was the greatest in another season of glory. It was almost the greatest season in United history. A Club World Cup. He stunned Porto. Destroyed Arsenal. Inspired United’s record-equalling 18th title. Won another League Cup.

Then came Rome. The last act. He came closest but it wasn’t to be.

Fergie granted his wish. He went for a world record fee to Real Madrid and cemented his legacy as arguably the greatest ever with numerous European Cups and Ballon d’Or titles.

The exit was acrimonious to some.
Aren’t they always? Some United fans disliked it when a journalist asked him if he agreed with Sepp Blatter’s comments that players under contract are slaves. He did agree, he said. It wasn’t a good look.

But for many it was just disappointment that faded over time. We accepted that players had dreams. We were proud and nostalgic for that glittering time we saw him develop into the greatest in the world in front of our eyes.

He had earned his status as a United legend. A living legend. A modern day Puskas or Di Stefano. He dominated Spain at times with the greatest player v player rivalry in history. He conquered Italy. He won a championship with Portugal. He was mesmeric wherever he went.

He entered his mid 30s impossibly still the greatest in the world. In a world of subjective opinions @Cristiano now had a fair shout to be the best of all time.

Through it all there were little emotional reminders. The occasional reconnections with Sir Alex. Could he… one day?

On Friday 27th August #mufc fans woke up feeling dread because Manchester City wanted him. The deal would be done imminently.

“He knows how we feel about him, if he was ever going to move he knows we are here,” Ole said. “He is probably the greatest of all time.”

Surely not…

Less than four hours later, in one of the craziest, exhilarating afternoons in the history of #mufc, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, the five-time Champions League winner, arguably the greatest ever, @Cristiano had returned home in the most stunning transfer in football history

Like this thread? Watch this #CristianoRonaldo reaction

“I love him” says @manutd legend @GordonHill54

I join him and @jipjap74 to discuss this amazing transfer

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Podcast on all audio platforms #Ronaldo #MUFC