ON THIS DAY: CRISTIANO RONALDO JOINS MANCHESTER UNITED

August 12, 2003 — Cristiano Ronaldo joined Manchester United from Sporting CP, beginning one of the most iconic chapters in football history.

Sir Alex Ferguson immediately recognized the teenager’s potential, describing Ronaldo as an “enormous talent.”

What followed was extraordinary: 346 appearances, 145 goals, three Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy and the 2008 Ballon d’Or.

A teenage signing became a global superstar.

23 years ago, the Ronaldo era at Old Trafford began.