Did Best predict Ronaldo's rise?

Wednesday 05 February 2025 09:52

It feels like Cristiano Ronaldo has been at the pinnacle of world football forever, as he celebrates his 40th birthday today (Wednesday).

But a long, long time ago he was a mere exciting prospect, picked up by Manchester United as a teenager in the summer of 2003.

The Sporting tyro had tantalised us all during a pre-season friendly and Sir Alex Ferguson was also impressed with what he saw.

He had to have his man and signed Ronaldo, giving him his debut in our campaign opener against Bolton Wanderers. Cristiano put in a performance which has gone down in folklore and the rest, as they say, is history.

Another all-time great, George Best, was in attendance that day and, writing for United's official magazine shortly afterwards, he went on to predict great things for the boy who followed him as the Reds’ no.7.

Trust us, it’s like George – who passed away in 2005, before Ronaldo really got into his stride – had seen what was coming, as he envisions future success and European triumphs…

The cover also included Kleberson, who had a rather shorter spell at the club.

“Cristiano Ronaldo's first United game as a substitute in the season opener against Bolton was undoubtedly the most exciting debut performance I've ever seen.

“A few of my old team-mates were at the game and they compared him to me. There have been a few players described as 'the new George Best' over the years, but this is the first time it's been a compliment to me.

“There have been players who have some similarities, but this lad's got more than anyone else, especially as he is genuinely two-footed. He can play on either wing, beat players with ease and put in dangerous crosses with his left or right peg. When was the last time you saw that?

“With Ronaldo and Giggsy on the pitch at the same time, opposition defenders will be petrified!

“Another thing I liked about Ronaldo against Bolton was how he dealt with the physical side. As soon as he came on, he was clattered from behind but he just got up and got on with the game. It didn't faze him at all. That's the right attitude.

“I used to relish it when defenders were trying to kick me up in the air - it only made me more determined to take the mick out of them! Like most United fans, the first time I saw Ronaldo in action was for Sporting Lisbon against United in pre-season.

“I was watching with a friend of mine and I said, "Someone's got to snap this kid up.”

“Guess who did? It really shows the value of United's global network of feeder clubs. Every big club was looking to get Ronaldo, and if we hadn't had a relationship with Sporting we might have missed out.

“The £12.4 million fee might seem a high price for an 18-year-old, but I think it's a snip. You are talking about a lad who, if he stays injury-free, has 15 years ahead of him in the game. He's special, I could see that immediately.

“Pessimists will point to Seba Veron, who started his United career sensationally but never quite fulfilled his world-class potential with us. This is a different situation though because Seba was up against so many quality players just to get into the United team in central midfield.

George Best says

"This is the first time 'the new George Best' has been a compliment to me."

“Ronaldo is an out-and-out winger, capable of playing on either side, and with Giggsy tending to play in a more central role, he'll face less competition to get in the team so he can concentrate on destroying opposing teams.

“Us fans will want to see Ronaldo play as much as possible, but I'm sure Sir Alex Ferguson will protect him. Modern football is a bit like the Royal Command performance - everyone does their bit. It's a squad game and it's very rare that anyone plays the full 90 minutes these days. But whether Ronaldo starts or comes on as sub, what a fantastic player to have on our side.

“Before the signing of Ronaldo, some fans were dubious about United's summer dealings in the transfer market. I'm not sure if this is how Fergie planned it, but it's worked out well for him.

“He let two class players go - we've already seen that both Seba and Becks will do the business at their new clubs - but I think Fergie felt he was well-equipped enough with what he has left and players coming in to let them go.

“So far we certainly aren't missing Becks' free-kicks because Giggsy is showing how many he might have scored if David hadn't been there.

George Best says

“His arrival has even banished any worries about United losing merchandise income by selling Becks. Thousands of kids will soon be wearing 'Ronaldo 7' shirts!”

“Kleberson is a very good signing for us too - with United's reputation for playing football with style and flair, it was about time we signed a Brazilian!

“Ronaldo is the icing on the cake.

“His arrival has even banished any worries about United losing merchandise income by selling Becks. Thousands of kids will soon be wearing 'Ronaldo 7' shirts and asking their parents' permission to get their hair tinted like him. Fergie thinks of everything - not only has he got the playing side covered but the marketing side too!

“The thing with Fergie is that sometimes you might not agree with his decisions, but he always works in what he believes are the best interests of the club.

“And he only has to point to the trophy cabinet to prove his judgement.

George Best says

“Having uncovered a little gem in Ronaldo, it's hard to imagine another European Cup triumph is too far away!”

“His recent acquisitions have really lowered the average age of the team, and it seems like he's determined to build another great team. I get the impression that after deciding not to retire, he's got the bug again and it's no surprise to hear talk of him extending his contract.

“The best thing that happened to him and the club was winning the title again last year. He's buzzing and you can tell he can't wait to get stuck into the season.

“He's got a great mixture of English and foreign stars, young and old, and looking at the squad overall, it's so exciting. With the Champions League about to start, it looks like we have the quality to win it again.

“I certainly can't see Fergie retiring until he's won it at least one more time, and he normally gets what he wants.

“Having uncovered a little gem in Ronaldo, it's hard to imagine another European Cup triumph is too far away!”

Watch early Ronaldo:

  • When O'Shea and United met Ronaldo Video

    When O'Shea and United met Ronaldo

    John O'Shea managed against Cristiano Ronaldo on Tuesday night, 21 years after a legendary 2003 friendly v Sporting...

  • United 4 Bolton Wanderers 0 Video

    United 4 Bolton Wanderers 0

    16 August 2003: Cristiano Ronaldo makes his United debut as the Reds beat Bolton Wanderers 4-0 on opening day...