REJOIN UNITED? YES SIR
Father figure Ferguson proves to be the X Factor for star Ron
SIR ALEX FERGUSON was the deciding factor in Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Manchester United – according to man who has been there.
Thirteen years ago, Dimitar Berbatov found himself being chased by the city’s two heavyweight clubs as they battled for his services after a £30million bid from
Spurs had been accepted.
Status
But the former Bulgaria striker said that Ferguson’s status as a father figure in the eyes of the veteran superstar – allied to his powers of persuasion – would have sealed the deal.
He said:” There have been reports that Sir Alex gave him a call yesterday and, in my opinion, if that happened it would have been a major factor in his decision.
“Sir Alex is like a father to him – he brought him to the club, he raised him, and it’s where he started his journey to becoming one of the best.
“So their connection is still strong – even though they parted ways a long time ago.
“I think that was probably a big turning point for him – and it’s good to have someone like Sir Alex around when you are faced with such a big decision.
“If he was hesitating then Sir Alex was definitely the man to push him United’s direction and, sure enough, we saw the result, Ronaldo chose to go to
United.” Berbatov, now a Betfair ambassador, was himself the subject of a frantic deadlineday deal when the two Manchester clubs clashed over signing him from Spurs.
He was hot property when the £30m deal had been agreed. And he too said that Ferguson’s presence – as much as his influence – was key.
He added: “It reminded me of my own situation when I left
Spurs.
“City were talking with my agent and trying to get me to sign, but my response was clear: “I’m going to United.”
“In fact, my agent actually picked up the phone to City while we were in the car with Sir Alex.
“He was driving, I was in the back seat.
My agent said: ‘It’s
City calling – and they want you. It was awkward, but I obviously said: ‘No f***ing way, I’m going to United.’
“That’s a true story. It’s shocking and funny at the same time but in the end I choose United because of everything, the history, the players, the badge, it was an easy decision for me.”
Prospect
Along with Ferguson, Ronaldo was also fielding approaches from fellow Portuguese ace Bruno Fernandes.
The ex-sporting Lisbon man has breathed fresh life and impetus into the Red Devils’ side and supporters are already licking their lips at the prospect of Ronaldo returning to work with his international colleague.
But Berbatov says that the 36-year-old’s arrival will be a boost, not just to Fernandes, but also several other young prospects on the club’s books. He added: “We are all excited to see Fernandes and Ronaldo play together at United, but there’s also Ronaldo and Paul Pogba, Ronaldo and Mason Greenwood and Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford – it’s very exciting.
“United are shaping up nicely and could have one helluva side this season.
“But even with Ronaldo, one of the best ever, coming back to the club it will be important that people don’t jump ahead of themselves.
“Manchester United need to go game by game.
“They’ll be hoping he’s going to fit straight into the team, adjusting himself to his old ways and lead the way for the young players with attitude, professionalism and the way he trains and takes care of himself.
“Everyone is going to be excited, everyone is going to start mentioning the Premier League title I’m sure. Let’s wait and see.”
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