Cristiano Ronaldo's Best Ever Assist Was For Wayne Rooney In 2008, It Still Needs Explaining

Cristiano Ronaldo scores his best ever assist came against Aston Villa in 2008 and it still needs explaining 13 years on.

United ran out 3-0 winners, with Ronaldo on target along with Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney.

The Portuguese superstar opened the scoring in the 17th minute but it was his assist for Rooney just after half-time that highlighted his unique abilities as a player.

The ball was fired into Ronaldo with serious pace from Ryan Giggs and he had Patrice Evra galloping up the left flank.

But Ronaldo, seemingly with eyes on the back of his head, somehow knew that Rooney was running in behind and produced a glorious backheel flick that took out the whole Villa backline.

Rooney latched on to the exquisite pass, rounded Scott Carson and sealed the comfortable win for United. There has been a debate as to whether Ronaldo meant it but given he's a five-time Ballon d'Or winner and who's won pretty much everything in the game, we're happy to give him the benefit of the doubt.

During their time playing together, Rooney and Ronaldo were an utterly deadly double-act and had a special understanding on the Old Trafford pitch.

They had an infamous fall-out in 2006 but patched things up and brought plenty of success on the pitch for Sir Alex Ferguson's men.

Their skill-sets were very different and Rooney was often sacrificed to accommodate Ronaldo but they complimented one another superbly.

In a 2015 interview, Ronaldo showered his former teammate with praise and described him as "the pitbull".

"For me the power of Wayne Rooney is his mentality and strength," Ronaldo said in Rooney's 'The Man Behind The Goals' documentary on BBC.

"He never stops, he always runs, helps the team. He's a fantastic team player and he scores goals. He scored important goals, for me he's fantastic.

"He was the kid of England. Everyone loved him. He is a fantastic boy, fantastic player.

"I used to call him, between me and my mates, the pitbull. I remember when he lost the ball he was so powerful, a strong guy, he shoots unbelievable."

Featured Image Credit: Image: Sky Sports

Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Wayne Rooney

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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