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Sir Alex Ferguson Backs Cristiano Ronaldo To Move Into Coaching, The Manchester United Star Isn't So Sure

Sir Alex Ferguson Backs Cristiano Ronaldo To Move Into Coaching, The Manchester United Star Isn't So Sure

Ferguson has sat down with Ronaldo to discuss his own experience of management.

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to move into management when his playing career ends, but the Manchester United forward isn’t so sure.

Ronaldo is still going strong at the age of 36 and has now scored 13 goals in 18 games since rejoining the club in the summer.

He is reportedly keen to continue his association with United after retirement by becoming part of the coaching staff at Old Trafford.

And in a recent interview together, Ferguson said he could see the Portugal captain becoming a coach later in life.

Ronaldo has made an impressive start to life back at Old Trafford (Image credit: PA)
Ronaldo has made an impressive start to life back at Old Trafford (Image credit: PA)

Speaking to Ronaldo about his own experience of management, Ferguson said on United’s Inside View: “I always feel that the area that I didn't enjoy was the 45 minutes before kick-off, when the team are out there warming up and I'm doing nothing.

“I'm sitting in my office and I want the game to start right there. I can't, because the team are doing their warm-up.

“You're lonely. You're on your own. I was sitting in my office on my own watching television while they're doing their warm-up.

“That was the only spell I didn't enjoy. Once the game started, fantastic. It's true.. you'll become a coach one day.”

However, Ronaldo seemed less certain about his future, replying: “Maybe not! I don’t know.”

Ronaldo is unsure if he'll move into coaching after retirement (Image credit: PA)
Ronaldo is unsure if he'll move into coaching after retirement (Image credit: PA)

Ferguson first signed Ronaldo as an 18-year-old in 2003 with the Portuguese winger arriving at Old Trafford in a £12.2m move from Sporting Lisbon.

He would go on to score 118 goals in 292 games in his first spell at United before leaving for Real Madrid in 2009 for a then world record transfer fee of £80m.

When asked to name one moment which stands out to him from his time working under Ferguson, Ronaldo added: “It’s hard to name just one. There were so many beautiful moments that we had together.

"Not us winning things, which is the most difficult. In my heart, I keep the most difficult things.

“He probably doesn't remember this and I'm not supposed to say, but I will say it because it's a beautiful history. I remember one day that my father was in hospital and I was so emotional, so very low.

“I spoke with him and he said; 'Cristiano, it doesn't matter, go there for two or three days'. We had difficult games and I was a key player in that moment.

“He said; 'It will be tough because we have these difficult games, but I understand your situation and I'll leave you to go and see your father'.

“For me, these are the most important things, apart from winning the Champions League, Premier League, cups and stuff.

“I have to appreciate him, because what he said to me, he always did. I have to appreciate that.”

Would Ronaldo make a good manager? Let us know in the comments!

Featured Image Credit: Manchester United/YouTube

Topics: Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sir Alex Ferguson, Football, Premier League