The showman captivated Old Trafford – “Ronaldo had the greatest impact on Manchester United fans of any player since Cantona,” Ferguson later wrote – and they have remained under his spell An August 7, 2003 file photo shows Portuguese Sporting Lisbon soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo during a soccer match at the new Alvalade stadium. Manchester United invested in their future strike power by signing the 18-year-old Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon for 12.24 million pounds ($19.60 million). Clive Tyldesley, ITV commentator The quarter-final match Manchester United lost 3-2 at Old Trafford to Real in 2000 made a huge impact on Sir Alex, particularly Fernando Redondo’s performance The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has played in the Champions League for 19 campaigns in a row and United's failure to qualify for the competition has led to speculation he could leave Old Trafford Howard then went on to play for Everton in the Premier League after representing United for 3 more seasons in the English top-flight. But, nowadays, the 42-year old plays for USL club Memphis 901 FC in his native United States after having left England. Ronaldo, who scored 24 goals for United last season after returning to Old Trafford from Juventus, has a contact to the end of next season which includes an option for a further year. Ronaldo claimed a total of nine trophies while at Manchester United. Real Madrid (2009–2018) Ronaldo secured a move to Real Madrid before the start of the 2009–2010 season, in a world-record transfer of 94 million Euros, with a 1 billion Euros buyout clause with His contract which was set to expire in 2015. It has been a bruising time for 37-year-old Ronaldo's considerable pride and ego as first his Manchester United career ended in acrimony following public criticism of the club and now Portugal did Cristiano Ronaldo finished as Manchester United's top scorer with 24 goals in all competitions in his first season back at Old Trafford. Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty His name was Cristiano Ronaldo, he was 18 years old and Jose “He wouldn’t have played in Real Madrid’s team as early as he played in Manchester United’s,” Kenyon says matter-of Bfbvf.