Man Utd transfer chief John Murtough only signed Cristiano Ronaldo ‘because of Man City’

Manchester United confirm Cristiano Ronaldo return

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Manchester United director John Murtough was not planning to launch a move for Cristiano Ronaldo before Manchester City’s interest in the 36-year-old became clear last week, according to reports. The Red Devils have agreed terms with Juventus to land Ronaldo ahead of Tuesday evening’s transfer deadline.

The mercurial forward, who reportedly passed a medical in Portugal earlier this week, is expected to sign a two-year contract with United.

His impending arrival looks set to provide the club with an out-and-out goalscorer to assist the likes of Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood in carrying the attacking burden this season.

Ronaldo could also be deployed in the wide role he occupied during his first spell at Old Trafford, with Daniel James said to be in talks over a permanent move to Leeds United.

Although United’s hopes of winning this season’s Premier League title have received an instantaneous boost thanks to Ronaldo, the idea of a move was not on Murtough’s mind until very recently.

The Red Devils only acted because they could not bear the thought of Ronaldo turning out for City, according to the Manchester Evening News.

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Pep Guardiola’s side explored the possibility of signing the six-time Ballon D’Or winger before withdrawing their interest on Friday, allowing their cross-city rivals to swoop.

The report claims that United were initially happy with their options in attack, with Cavani tied down to a one-year deal and long-term target Jadon Sancho joining the club from Borussia Dortmund earlier this summer.

However, Murtough and the club’s hierarchy raced into action on Friday to prevent City from bringing Ronaldo to the Etihad Stadium.

A number of current and former United players got in touch with the Portugal star to swing the move in their favour, including Bruno Fernandes, Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand.

Ronaldo also spoke with Sir Alex Ferguson, with Ferdinand claiming that his old boss played the most important role in convincing the forward to return.

“Cristiano and Sir Alex Ferguson have got a bond,” the ex-United defender told FIVE.

“Very few players get to have that in their career with a manager. Sir Alex played a massive part.

“There was no way Cristiano was coming to Man United without speaking to Sir Alex. Simple as that.”

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Ronaldo could be set to make his second debut for the Red Devils against Newcastle United after returning from international duty with Portugal.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will then play West Ham United on September 19 before facing the Hammers again in the Carabao Cup just two days later.

It remains to be seen which shirt number Ronaldo will wear upon his return to United, with his iconic No 7 currently occupied by Cavani.

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