Man Utd had ‘no intention’ of signing Ronaldo before City interest
Manchester United had no interest in signing Cristiano Ronaldo this summer until they heard of Manchester City’s interest, according to reports.
The Red Devils announced on Friday that they had agreed a deal to sign Ronaldo from Juventus subject to personal terms, a visa and a medical.
And widespread reports on Monday have confirmed that he has completed his medical with personal terms also agreed on a two-year contract.
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The deal came out of the blue with Manchester City understood to be the main club chasing his signature before the Red Devils announced an agreement.
And the Manchester Evening News claim that ‘had no intention of moving for Ronaldo this summer as they had re-signed Edinson Cavani and bought Jadon Sancho, but they were spurred into action when the Portuguese appeared destined to move to City.’
The report added that the Man Utd hierarchy ‘could not bear the prospect of him signing for Manchester City’ and launched a ‘charm offensive’ involving a number of former players and his Portugal team-mate Bruno Fernandes.
The MEN continued: ‘The Glazers also feared another backlash from United followers if Ronaldo was allowed to join City without any interference from his former club.’
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is eager to get the deal over the line before the transfer deadline and can’t wait for Ronaldo to turn Man Utd into a “better team”.
“He is not signing to sit on the bench. He is going to make us a better team,” said Solskjaer.
“We need to get all the paperwork done, hopefully we can get that sorted and we can announce it 100 per cent.
“Then he is away with Portugal, they have three games, his last game is Tuesday (September 7) and then we can get him back to Manchester and be involved as soon as possible.”
New signing Raphael Varane – who played with the Portuguese international at Real Madrid – can’t wait to link up with Ronaldo again.
The Frenchman said: “I am very happy. He’s a legend and all players can learn when you play with him. It’s a great help for all players, for all young players, and of course he never stops scoring goals so he will help the team.”
