When Wayne Rooney And Cristiano Ronaldo Met On The Pitch For The First Time

Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney formed a sensational partnership during their time together at Manchester United.

The pair developed a special produced a special understanding on the pitch and helped bring a number of successes for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

But their first ever meeting was quite something. On Boxing Day 2003, both Rooney and Ronaldo graced the Old Trafford turf - lining up on opposite sides as United hosted Everton.

Ferguson was able to rest star players Ruud van Nistelrooy, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs for the game, while a young Ronaldo, way before the goals, the records and Ballon d'Ors, was afforded a start.

And there was another one of Europe's top talents on the pitch in the form of Rooney, who was brought into the Everton side for the fixture.

The game ended 3-2 and saw United move back to the top of the Premier League in the five-goal thriller.

But undoubtedly the most memorable moment in the game happened just before the hour mark, as Rooney aimed a wild lunge at his future United teammate after becoming majorly pissed off by Ronaldo's showboating down the left flank.

Rooney was having absolutely none of Ronaldo's trickery and promptly introduced him to English football in the best possible way.

The two have been in the news together this week after Ronaldo reacted angrily to Rooney's criticism of him on Monday Night Football.

Asked if the Ronaldo move has been a success on Sky Sports, Rooney said: "You’d have to say no at the minute.

"I think he’s scored goals, he’s scored important goals in the Champions League early on in the season, he scored the hat-trick against Tottenham, but I think if you’re looking to the future of the club, you have to go with younger, hungry players to do the best and lift Manchester United over these next two or three years."

Ronaldo took issue with he comments and commented on Rooney's Instagram post, writing: "Two jealous," accompanied with the eyes emoji.

Featured Image Credit: Image: Twitter

Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Everton, Manchester United, Wayne Rooney, Premier League

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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