Cristiano Ronaldo is a Manchester City transfer target. News of Pep Guardiola’s interest in the Juventus forward has surfaced in recent days, with the player’s future in Turin currently uncertain. So, with that being the case, it’s time to look back on a tantrum he threw while playing against the reigning Premier League champions during his time with Manchester United.
Ronaldo scored 118 goals during his six years at Manchester United.
And his last came back in 2009, against City, in a 2-0 victory in front of a raucous Old Trafford crowd.
Ronaldo broke the deadlock that day with a fine free kick that bobbled up and beyond the reach of the outstretched Joe Hart.
Carlos Tevez, who would go on to join City mere months later, then made the game safe – cupping his ears in front of Sir Alex Ferguson recognising the fans’ clamour for him to stay.
It was a positive afternoon for the Red Devils.
However, their day was slightly soured by Ronaldo throwing a strop after being hooked with the upcoming Champions League final with Barcelona in mind.
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City boss Guardiola has previously insisted he doesn’t like egos, while even saying Ronaldo isn’t on the same level as Lionel Messi.
But with the club wanting a new marksman, Ronaldo is very much a possibility.
And they’ll have to make sure to keep the Portugal international happy if he does join, or risk his temper boiling over.
Speaking a few years ago, however, Ronaldo insisted he’d never play for City due to his love of United.
“To play for City not United? I’m not going to do that,” he said.
“Why? Because my heart’s in Manchester United, that’s why.
“I can say it would be very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very difficult to play at Manchester City.
“Very difficult because of Manchester United.”
Ronaldo would risk angering United fans with a move to City.
And he’d also put himself in danger of becoming another Carlos Tevez, who famously crossed the divide in controversial circumstances.