Ryan Giggs reveals what Sir Alex Ferguson thought about Cristiano Ronaldo at Man Utd

Vishal Bhawani

•
Ryan Giggs reveals what Sir Alex Ferguson thought about Cristiano Ronaldo at Man Utd image

When Cristiano Ronaldo first landed at Manchester United, not everyone was convinced he would fly.

But Sir Alex Ferguson saw something others didn’t. And according to Ryan Giggs, the boss was ready to protect his new star, even when it ruffled a few feathers at the training ground.

Giggs, United's legendary winger, recently opened up about Ronaldo’s early days in England.

Speaking with Rio Ferdinand on the latest Rio Meets episode, Giggs recalled how tough it was for Ronaldo to settle into the Premier League's rough and tumble style.

The young Portuguese star, more flash than finish back then, needed time to adjust. But Ferguson knew what was coming. And he wasn’t about to let rough tackles spoil his prize signing.

"I remember sprinting across in one game in the winter and I’ve took Cristiano out and the manager has gone mad," Giggs said. "I’ve gone, ‘it’s a tackle gaffer,’ and he’s gone, ‘I know yeah but just take care. He’s a special player.'"

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

Giggs opened up on Sir Alex Ferguson's training plan for Cristiano Ronaldo

It wasn’t always cuddles and comfort, though. In training, Ronaldo often found himself kicked for over-dribbling.

Ferguson made it clear — no fouls given. It was tough love, the kind you get from a manager who knew talent needed steel.

Giggs explained that there wasn’t any need for secret orders. The senior players naturally toughened Ronaldo up. "I don't think he needed to. I think we already did it," Giggs added, suggesting that United's dressing room was as challenging as any Premier League night at Stoke.

Over time, the stepovers made way for the staggering stats. Ronaldo transformed from a showman to a scoring machine. Ferguson’s early patience and tough grooming helped create the superstar who has smashed records around the globe.

Today, Ronaldo is still rolling — now with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Not bad for a kid who once took too many touches at Carrington and got kicked for it.

Man Utd and Cristiano Ronaldo news & related links

Vishal Bhawani

Vishal Bhawani is a sub-editor for the Affiliate Content team and a writer and sub-editor for the Football Wires team at The Sporting News. Based in Indore, India, he holds a Diploma in Operations and Management from Maharashtra University.

Before joining TSN in May 2024, Vishal contributed to Football Express and Six Sports and ran his own blog, Anfield Home, as a passionate Liverpool fan. An avid traveler, he follows multiple sports, including cricket, soccer, and tennis.