Manchester United legend Patrice Evra told how Sir Alex Ferguson made Cristiano Ronaldo the best footballer on the planet.
He said this happened during the Portuguese’s first spell at Manchester United between 2003 and 2009.
According to Evra, Ferguson has transformed the Portugal international from a “YouTube player” into a superstar.
Ronaldo, aged 37, left Sporting Lisbon for Manchester United at the age of 18 in August 2003.
He found the net only six times in his first season at the club but quickly became prolific – scoring 23 times during the 2006/07 campaign.
Ronaldo won seven league titles, five Champions Leagues and Euro 2016, and scored 700 goals for clubs with United, Sporting, Real Madrid and Juventus.
Evra played alongside Ronaldo during his first spell at Old Trafford and now remembers Ferguson’s influence on Ronaldo.
“Sir Alex Ferguson had a huge impact on Ronaldo’s football career,” Evra told Betfair.
“There were several phases in his career. When he started, he was like a YouTube player, with a lot of talent, that’s how I felt when I came to United.
“But I also felt there was a hunger and a character that shows people that he can be the best and that he has great players around him, like Roy Keane.”
Evra added: “I remember one time early on that Ferguson destroyed it. I think we played against Chelsea and he didn’t do well.
Evra said the iconic coach also told Ronaldo that it is easy to score multiple goals when playing against a smaller club, and urged him to do more against bigger clubs.
The Frenchman said Ronaldo suddenly started scoring in big matches after that conversation.
“Ferguson went further and told him that he is not a winger, he is a striker and with his ability to score two or three goals in a match and he was not interested. Tricks and skills, he said, ‘Forget it, you have to score goals.’ In that season, Ronaldo scored.” 42 goals.
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