In the first summer of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson years at Manchester United, a new midfielder was a priority. The club wanted Cesc Fabregas but saw three bids rejected by Barcelona. Thiago Alcantara was on the market, but David Moyes didn't fancy him. In the end, on deadline day, the first major signing of a new era was unveiled. Welcome to Old Trafford, Marouane Fellaini.
I thought I could do what Thierry Henry did when I moved to Man United but ended up in the reserves
28.01.2024 - 04:53 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
"At Cristiano's request - who has again expressed his desire to leave - and after discussions with the player's representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player."
It was the news every Manchester United fan was dreading when they read the headlines on the morning of 11 June 2009. Two weeks after losing the Champions League final against a Barcelona side inspired by the brilliance of Lionel Messi, United were coming to terms with the loss of their own extra-terrestrial talent.
Cristiano Ronaldo had been linked with an exit from Old Trafford throughout the season, but on the eve of the Champions League final United's then-chief executive David Gill insisted there was no way the club would be entertaining such a proposal.
READ MORE: United fans cast worrying Onana verdict
READ MORE: Onana criticised after United decision
Sir Alex Ferguson, in typical fashion, had months earlier said he would 'not sell that mob a virus'.
Ronaldo was one of the two best players in the world when he left United - replacing him was the impossible task. The Portuguese departed having netted a phenomenal 118 goals in 292 appearances, and he ended his final season in English football as the holder of the Ballon d'Or.
However, Ferguson was at least bolstered by the receipt of a world-record £80m fee for his superstar - spending it would be the hard part.
Ferguson was looking for a collective effort rather than an individual to step into the shoes of their charismatic wide man, with summer arrival Antonio Valencia viewed as the heart of a rebuild.
Michael Owen also arrived on a free and inherited the No.7 shirt - the first in a long line of post-Ronaldo occupants of the iconic number who didn't live up
The website celebfans.org is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
Popular Celebs
Popular Tags
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
16.02.2024 / 22:45
'Remember that': Pep Guardiola responds to Gary Neville jibe at 'boring' Man City
Pep Guardiola laughed off Gary Neville's claims that Manchester City are boring by insisting that world football knows how good they are.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
16.02.2024 / 10:59
'Something is going to happen' - Eddie Howe reveals unusual Dan Ashworth Man United move details
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has said the Magpies have not received any contact as of yet from Manchester United for Dan Ashworth.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
15.02.2024 / 09:15
Man United icon Cristiano Ronaldo reveals new goal celebration after ditching trademark move
Manchester United icon Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated his first goal of 2024 in a new way. He scored the only goal in a 1-0 win for Al-Nassr nine minutes from time to lead his team to a 1-0 victory against Al-Fayha in an Asian Champions League round-of-16 clash on Wednesday.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
14.02.2024 / 16:19
Ex-Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick 'in line for top job' Jurgen Klopp doesn't want
Former Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick could be in line for a top job at Barcelona, despite enduring a tough spell at Old Trafford. Rangnick, 65, is well-respected in Germany and has had a successful career, but his time at United proved challenging.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
14.02.2024 / 08:21
Real Madrid 'target' Manchester United star as Kylian Mbappe alternative and other rumours
Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund - according to reports.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
14.02.2024 / 07:00
Cristiano Ronaldo being proved right about Manchester United man as Ferdinand reveals conversation
Cristiano Ronaldo had a reassuring message for Rio Ferdinand when he expressed doubts about Diogo Dalot's abilities early in his Manchester United career. Dalot, who has been a key player for Erik ten Hag this season, has made 32 appearances and scored two goals. He also assisted Scott McTominay's winning goal against Aston Villa last weekend.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
13.02.2024 / 21:11
Michael Owen disagrees with Paul Scholes on Manchester United star who could be 'anything'
Michael Owen has called for Scott McTominay to be given a more regular role in Manchester United's side after his latest match-winner against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
13.02.2024 / 18:30
Ex-Liverpool FC prodigy Jamie Cassidy who played with future Premier League stars unmasked as drugs gangster
A former football prodigy is facing a lengthy jail sentence after admitting his part in a huge drugs conspiracy. Jamie Cassidy, a former Liverpool FC youth star, has admitted his role in a drugs gang.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
12.02.2024 / 13:17
'I was fuming' - Why Roy Keane didn't speak to two Manchester United team-mates for months
Manchester United legend Roy Keane has revealed in typically uncompromising fashion why he didn't speak to two former Old Trafford team-mates for months.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
12.02.2024 / 00:47
Antony responds to Manchester United win at Aston Villa after surprise Erik ten Hag decision
Antony went unused for Manchester United during their dramatic 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, but the Brazil forward was delighted to see teammate Rasmus Hojlund do the business. Hojlund netted for a fifth Premier League game in succession to well and truly put his early-season struggles to one side.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
11.02.2024 / 16:23
Darts sensation Luke Littler reveals what Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson told him
Luke Littler has revealed that he enjoyed a brief chat with former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
10.02.2024 / 17:01
Inside Sir Alex Ferguson's £3.5m Cheshire mansion that's still looking for a buyer
Sir Alex Ferguson is still looking for a buyer for his Cheshire home after putting it on the market last year. The legendary former Manchester United boss put his mansion in Wilmslow up for sale a month after the death of his wife Cathy.
ok.co.uk
09.02.2024 / 11:14
Piers Morgan sensationally quits TalkTV as he makes unprecedented move
Piers Morgan has confirmed he will no longer host his one-hour long evening news show, Piers Morgan Uncensored, for TalkTV after two years at the helm.The former GMB presenter, who launched the show in 2022, confirmed the news on Twitter. He told his 8.7 million followers: "Some news," as he shared a post which said: "News: Piers Morgan is ending his live broadcast show on UK's TalkTV, and going full YouTube.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
29.01.2024 / 00:18
What next for Marcus Rashford at Manchester United? Belfast trip fallout and Erik ten Hag reaction
Marcus Rashford missed Manchester United's 4-2 FA Cup win over Newport County at Rodney Parade on Sunday.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
26.01.2024 / 08:19
Club 'ready to make audacious bid' for Casemiro and more Manchester United transfer rumours
Saudi Arabia outfit Al-Nassr are reportedly lining up a huge bid for Manchester United star Casemiro.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
26.01.2024 / 05:01
I didn't want to be a footballer but Diego Maradona changed my mind and I signed for Man United
“In 2002, I was playing for Independiente and knew that Manchester United were interested in me; we had arranged a meeting. Then Middlesbrough approached my agent, they wanted to see me before United.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
25.01.2024 / 12:51
Who is Claudio Echeverri? Man City's new signing dubbed the next Lionel Messi
Manchester City have announced the signing of Claudio Echeverri from River Plate.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
25.01.2024 / 06:25
From exclusion under Woodward to growing prominence - the Manchester United football board is making a comeback
Since Manchester United floated on the New York Stock Exchange in August 2012, there have been two boards: the company board and the football board.
us.hola.com
23.01.2024 / 04:01
Romeo Beckham and Mia Regan showcase their hybrid style in London home
Romeo Beckham and Mia Regan have been together since 2019. The couple has recently moved in together, and have been sharing snippets of their lives together over the past couple of months. David and Victoria Beckham spend time with Barack ObamaThe Beckham family welcomes 2024 in style with one couple missingA post shared by ROMEO (@romeobeckham)The apartment features a blend of both of their styles.