Cristiano Ronaldo’s Man Utd Return: Sir Alex Ferguson Misled by 99% Assurance
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Man Utd return had been the subject of intense speculation for years. Sir Alex Ferguson told Patrice Evra he was “99 per cent” sure the transfer would happen in 2013.
Ferguson’s assurance and Evra’s reaction
Evra said he visited Ferguson’s office one week before the retirement announcement. The manager expressed near certainty over Ronaldo and also mentioned Gareth Bale.
Days later, Ferguson shocked the squad by announcing his retirement. Evra admitted he felt misled by the sudden decision after the “99% assurance”.
Ronaldo’s path between exits and return
Ronaldo left Manchester United for Real Madrid in 2009 for £80million. He later spent time at Juventus before returning to United in 2021.
By the time of his 2021 comeback, he was no longer at his peak. The club had been Premier League champions when Ferguson sought his earlier return.
Bale and Ronaldo at Real Madrid
Ferguson had reportedly hoped to sign Gareth Bale from Tottenham as well. Instead, Bale and Ronaldo linked up at Real Madrid.
The pair won multiple trophies together during five successful seasons in Spain. Their achievements came away from Old Trafford.
Why Ferguson stepped down
The manager later explained family reasons motivated his decision. He chose to support his wife after the death of her twin sister in October 2012.
Ferguson told The Telegraph in 2015 he might have continued if not for that family situation. His wife had earlier persuaded him not to retire in 2002.
Aftermath at Old Trafford
Manchester United struggled in the following season under David Moyes. Moyes was sacked after eight months, and Ryan Giggs served as interim manager.
Patrice Evra left the club a year after the managerial change. The team then faced a period of transition and uncertainty.
Filmogaz.com has compiled the timeline and sources, including Evra’s comments to The Athletic and Ferguson’s interview with The Telegraph.
