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On This Day In 2003: Cristiano Ronaldo Announced Himself To The World

On This Day In 2003: Cristiano Ronaldo Announced Himself To The World

A young lad starred against Manchester United.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

15 years ago today, a Portuguese teenager shot to fame.

Manchester United played a pre-season friendly against Sporting Lisbon in the summer of 2003.

Sporting CP ran out 3-1 winners with a young lad stealing all the headlines following his starring role on the wing.

An 18-year-old by the name of Cristiano Ronaldo ran rings around United's defence, dazzling on-lookers with his terrifying speed and blistering step overs.

Ronaldo running down the wing with blonde extensions gloriously flowing, and his ear ring patched up impressed Sir Alex Ferguson so much, he snapped up his services ahead of the 2003/04 season.

Ronaldo during his United debut. Image: PA
Ronaldo during his United debut. Image: PA
Ronaldo in action. Image: PA
Ronaldo in action. Image: PA

United shelled out a reported £12.24 million which made him - at the time - the most expensive teenager in English football history.

The rest, you could say, is history.

From Premier League success to Champions League triumph, whilst scoring goals at an alarming rate.

He's a certified United legend with fans still hollering his name at Old Trafford.

Viva Ronaldo.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football News, Football, Manchester United, sporting lisbon, Cristiano Ronaldo