Topics: Transfer, Premier League, Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Cristiano Ronaldo
The legendary former Manchester United manager has lifted the lid on what prompted Cristiano Ronaldo's signing.

Sir Alex Ferguson has finally broken his silence on what really ensued that led to Manchester United signing Cristiano Ronaldo. According to the legendary Scottish manager, Manchester City's interest in the 36-year-old attacker influenced his former side's decision to recruit him this summer.

Prior to the closure of the transfer window, Ronaldo was heavily linked with a move out of Juventus. This came after news from Italy stated that the player was unhappy with the Bianconeri and had instructed his agent to secure a move out for him as soon as possible. Not long after, rumors started emerging that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was keen on reuniting with Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, a claim that was immediately rebuffed by the Italian coach as well as Los Blancos.

With Paris Saint-Germain opting against his signing after securing the service of Lionel Messi just a few days earlier, Manchester City emerged as the most-likeliest destination for Ronaldo. According to reports, the deal was increasingly close although Juventus and the Citizens had hit an impasse after failing to reach an impasse on the fee for the attacker. Then came Manchester United.

In less than 24 hours after it emerged that their cross-town rivals were facing difficulties in their bid to sign their former jewel, the Red Devils quickly hijacked the move. Old players of the club including Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra as well as Ronaldo's international teammate Bruno Fernandes and Sir Alex Ferguson played key roles in getting the former Bianconeri to make a U-turn in favor of a return to Old Trafford.

Speaking to Viaplay, Sir Alex has confessed that Manchester City's pursuit of Ronaldo influenced his decision to reach out to him and also the Manchester United hierarchy to sanction his purchase.

"I couldn't imagine him playing for Manchester City – I don't think anybody could," Ferguson said.

"That's why we made steps to ensure that he came here.

"The club then followed him well, I spoke to the Glazers, and then it was done."

"A lot of people played their part," the 13-time Premier League title winner added.

"I contributed a bit, but really Cristiano really wanted to come here, that was important – it worked very well."

Meanwhile, Manchester United's acquistion of Cristiano Ronaldo is already paying dividends with the sales of the player's famed No.7 shirt already smashing the existing Premier League record for the player with the most jerseys sold in the competition's history. On field, the Portugese superstar made his Manchester United debut against Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Saturday, scoring two goals in the 4-1 mauling of the Magpies.