We thought that Cristiano Ronaldo was on his way to Manchester City, but it turns out we were all very wrong.
When we woke up this morning, the whole world was expecting the Portuguese superstar to move closer to The Etihad. Fees were being agreed, pundits were speculating how he would fit into the side, Manchester United fans were burning jerseys. It was going to be a fairly straightforward day all told.
Then all of a sudden, things went a bit mental.
Rio Ferdinand gave us the first clue of what was to come, posting this meme and leading many to believe that Ronaldo's move to City was not sewn up just yet.
……… pic.twitter.com/AT2QfsYAqB
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) August 27, 2021
News soon emerged that there was another team in for the player.
It was a move we should have saw coming.
Manchester United have been in direct contact with Jorge Mendes since yesterday night for Cristiano Ronaldo comeback. Now board talking about figures of the deal, potential salary & also fee for Juventus. 🔴🇵🇹 #MUFC
Man United are now “seriously interested” - as Man City too. pic.twitter.com/InVvBKua1J— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 27, 2021
Now it seemed like a duel between the two clubs, although you would have suspected that United would have had the edge given Ronaldo's history with the club.
Just moments later, it was confirmed that Guardiola's side were now out of the running.
Told Manchester City will not be signing Cristiano Ronaldo. They considered the possibility but decided against.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) August 27, 2021
While all this was going on, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer was hinting that a move to Old Trafford may be on the cards.
🗣"He is the greatest player of all time."
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer speaks very highly of his former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. pic.twitter.com/TSYwfP4NbA— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 27, 2021
Not exactly subtle.
Sky Sports soon claimed that the deal to United was indeed on, but only because City were not interested in signing the player. They believe a move to The Etihad was his first choice.
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
❌ Manchester City are no longer interested in signing Cristiano Ronaldo.
✍️ City did consider a deal for Ronaldo and that was his first choice.
👀 Ronaldo now looking elsewhere.
[via @VinnOConnor] pic.twitter.com/yuIGVCYOv8— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 27, 2021
As it turned out, Alex Ferguson may have had a part to play in the whole saga.
United have submitted a contract offer to Cristiano Ronaldo after he spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson this morning. #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) August 27, 2021
Once the contract was sorted, all was left was for a fee to be agreed with Juventus.
It didn't take long, with United submitting a bid worth up to €25million for the 36-year old.
🚨 Manchester United on verge of reaching total agreements for signing of Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus. Transfer fee understood to be €15m + €8m in add-ons. Edinson Cavani not expected to leave #MUFC. W/ @lauriewhitwell @JamesHorncastle @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/JnpEstWnsR
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 27, 2021
In the end, his old pal Rio seemed fairly happy about the whole situation.
……. pic.twitter.com/RkchkEZzBJ
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) August 27, 2021
So where do things stand now?
Manchester United seem very much in the driving seat, although the deal is not done yet. If you were a betting man, Old Trafford seems the most likely destination.
However, as the last few hours have shown, anything could happen yet.
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