The day we knew he was a special talent

FORMER Manchester United

defender JOHN O’SHEA on his first encounter with Cristiano Ronaldo against Sporting Lisbon in 2003 and the buzz of seeing him back at Old Trafford.

I’LL always remember the look he gave me before the game. He stared right at me as if to say: ‘I’m ready for this audition.’ When he performed as he did, it was a done deal for everybody. Not many of the boys were interested in playing the game after flying back from a tour in America late in the night. You’re always prepared but it wouldn’t have been a normal preparation for a Premier League or Champions League game. We’d have had more rest.

You could see how comfortable he was to go with either foot. He was strong in the air and had the confidence to try the same trick again. He enjoyed the one-on-one challenge. Although you could see he was at the beginning of his journey when he came to United, he was a super intelligent boy and realised what he was able to do. The day it was confirmed he was coming back was an incredible feeling. It made everyone so happy. Now it’s the real business, and he still has the goods. I’m sure he’s going to show that this season.