Sir Alex Ferguson has stepped in and spoken to Cristiano Ronaldo to convince him to snub Manchester City for United.
The legendary Red Devils boss has a father-son relationship with Ronaldo, who he signed as a teenager and helped transform into one of the best players in the world.
Together, the pair won numerous Premier League titles and the Champions League, with Ronaldo picking up a Ballon d’Or along the way before moving to Real Madrid.
Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes flew into Turin on Thursday to speak to Ronaldo and Juventus, after the Portuguese made it clear he wanted out in Italy.
Ronaldo then spoke to Pep Guardiola and a deal was agreed in principle, with the Juventus striker flying out to the UK on Friday.
But in the eleventh hour, Man United moved to hijack the transfer and enlisted the help of Ferguson to speak with Ronaldo, according to the Manchester Evening News.
The Glazer family believes that it can get back into fans’ good books by re-signing Ronaldo 12 years after he left the club for the Bernabeu.
Man City have since confirmed their transfer for Ronaldo is off, with United suddenly the favourites to snap up the 36-year-old.
Ronaldo has a very strong bond with Ferguson from their time spent together at Old Trafford, with the pair often speaking fondly about one another in the press.
Perhaps the greatest story that showcases what Ferguson means to Ronaldo is the one the Portuguese told on the Jonathan Ross Show back in 2015, ten years after his dad passed away.
Ronaldo said: “In terms of personal stuff I just have to say, ‘Thank you for what you did for me.’
“Especially, I remember, the thing that is in my memory, the time my father was sick in hospital and we were in a tough moment in the season.
“We had important games in the Champions League and league, and I said ‘Coach, I need to go and see my daddy’.
“And I was a key player, a very important player. And he said ‘Listen your family is the most important thing you have in your life. If you want to go three days, four days, five days, you can go.’
“This moment is what I keep with me, because it was the most important moment of my life. He shared it with me and this is why I respect him. And for me he is the best coach I ever had.”
Ronaldo has previously talked about one day returning to Man United, and did so while he was at Real Madrid in 2014.
Ronaldo said: “Some players I am still in contact with because when I was there I created a good relationship with everybody, not just the players, all the staff around.
And it was like my second family there too, so I’ll not forget that the people treat me well. I’ll not forget. I love Manchester, to be back, I never know, you never know.
“Of course I’m happy at Real Madrid, it’s my home, it’s my club but Manchester treats me unbelievable so we never know.”
United are yet to make a firm bid for the striker, but are very much in the driving seat.
