Sir Alex Ferguson lifts the lid on his role in Cristiano Ronaldo's return

The legendary Red Devils manager has confirmed his involvement in Cristiano Ronaldo’s return and insists ‘I couldn’t imagine him playing for Manchester City’.

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed his involvement in helping Manchester United re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time.

It was widely reported last month that Ferguson played a ‘decisive’ role in Ronaldo’s return. Upon learning of Manchester City’s interest, the Scot sprung to action to hijack any deal. He called CR7 personally, the player’s agent Jorge Mendes and members of United’s board to kick-start a reunion.

Speaking before Ronaldo’s stunning second Red Devils debut on Saturday, Ferguson finally revealed how he was involved in luring the five-time Ballon d’Or winner back to Old Trafford.

“A lot of people played their part, and I contributed knowing that, really, Cristiano wanted to come here. That was important,” he told Viaplay.

“It worked very well.”

Ferguson added: “It’s certainly [a moment] full of excitement and also [a sense of] relief. A lot of relief because I couldn’t imagine him playing for Manchester City, I don’t think anyone could.

“That’s why we had to make steps to make sure he came here. The club then followed in very well, spoke to [club owners] the Glazers, and it was done.”

Ferguson was in the stands on Saturday to watch Ronaldo mark his United return in glorious fashion by scoring twice in a 4-1 win over Newcastle.

The Red Devils return to action on Tuesday for their first Champions League game of the season away to Swiss side BSC Young Boys in Group F.