🗓 23 years ago on this day, Cristiano Ronaldo joined Manchester United from Sporting for £12 million

👀 The deal was struck 9 days after United’s pre-season friendly against Sporting Lisbon, in which 18-year-old Ronaldo put on a magical display against Joãozinho, Rio Ferdinand and Nicky Butt.

🗣 Sir Alex Ferguson was so impressed by Cristiano that, between the two halves, he decided the club would sign him. Ferguson said: "We’re not leaving this pitch until we’ve got that boy signed."

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