Initially, seeing Cristiano Ronaldo in Manchester United colours was a wonderous thing.
The future multi Champions League winner arrived at Manchester United in 2003 as a raw, 18-year-old talent from Sporting CP. Armed with a rake thin body compistion, strange ‘winged’ blonde curtains, he struggled early on, his tendancy to do set overs making him easy pray for harded Premier League defenders> The player failed to score in his first few months, however, he quickly adjusted to the physicality and pace of the English game and began to showcase his incredible skill and potential.
In his first full season at United, Ronaldo scored six goals in all competitions, but it was clear that he was still adapting to the team and the league. The following season, 2005-2006, he broke out as one of the best players in the world, scoring 23 goals in 53 appearances and winning his first Premier League title. He was also named the PFA Young Player of the Year and the FIFPro Special Young Player of the Year.
Ronaldo continued to improve in the 2006-2007 season, scoring 17 goals in the league and helping United win another Premier League title. He also scored his first Champions League goal in the final against Chelsea, although United ultimately lost the match.
The 2007-2008 season was the year when Ronaldo truly established himself as one of the best players in the world. He scored 42 goals in all competitions, including 31 in the league, which earned him the Premier League Golden Boot. He also won the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award, becoming the first United player to win the latter award since George Best in 1968.
In the following season, Ronaldo helped United win their third consecutive Premier League title, scoring 26 goals in the league and leading the team to the Champions League final, where they lost to Barcelona. He again won the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year award.
In total, Ronaldo spent six seasons at Manchester United, scoring 118 goals in 292 appearances and winning multiple individual awards and three Premier League titles. His performances during his time at United earned him a move to Real Madrid in 2009 for a then-world record transfer fee.
Ronaldo’s time at Manchester United was crucial in his development as a player. He arrived as a young, unproven talent and left as one of the best players in the world. His speed, skill, and goalscoring ability made him one of the most exciting players to watch and helped establish him as one of the greatest players of all time.