’The rest is history’ - How Cristiano Ronaldo signing for Man Utd hinged on Ronaldinho snubbing Red Devils

Sir Alex Ferguson was a huge admirer of the Brazilian superstar. He pulled all strings to bring him to Old Trafford in 2003 but failed as Ronaldinho chose to move to Spain from Paris Saint-Germain which left the club disappointed. Nonetheless, Ferguson remained determined to bring a top talent to United that season and hence went after Ronaldo who had earlier put in a sensational display against the Red Devils in a friendly with Sporting CP.

Speaking to ex-Chelseamidfielder John Obi Mikel onThe Obi Onepodcast, Ferdinand said: “I remember when Cristiano Ronaldo signed we went on tour to Lisbon and he was actually lucky that we signed him. It was only on the disappointment of not signing Ronaldinho that summer.

"I remember we were going to sign Ronaldinho but he chose to leave PSG for Barcelona. The manager was absolutely devastated. Then on the tour, he went to Sporting Lisbon to open the stadium, Cristiano Ronaldo plays and the rest is history."

Paul Scholes revealed that the United team attempted to "kick" Ronaldinho in pre-season as they were left frustrated by the snub. In an interview with Savage Social podcast in 2020, the former midfielder said: "He was away on pre-season and we were as close as announcing him and giving him a number but I think he ended up changing his mind at the last minute and signing for Barcelona. It's strange really because we played Barcelona on that pre-season tour.

"We were all excited - Ronaldinho, what a player! I think he was coming from PSG at the time and we were all going to get to play with him and he's going to bring something special. Almost like what Eric Cantona brought to the team. Then, three days later, we're playing against him and all trying to kick him because he didn't sign for us.”

Ronaldinho ended up as a Barcelona icon, scoring 70 goals in 145 appearances. He also inspired the club to two La Liga triumphs and a Champions League trophy in 2006 before moving to AC Milan in 2008.

United will return to action on Sunday against Newport County in an FA Cup fourth-round fixture. Whereas, the Blaugrana will look to get over their Copa del Rey disappointment and return to the winning track against Villarreal on Saturday.