Ryan Giggs reveals what Sir Alex Ferguson thought about Cristiano Ronaldo at Man Utd
Cristiano Ronaldo's early days at Manchester United were challenging as he had to adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League, yet Sir Alex Ferguson recognized his potential from the start. Ryan Giggs recalls how Ferguson was protective of Ronaldo, even when his style provoked criticism during training sessions. Despite the rough treatment Ronaldo received for his flamboyant play, Ferguson’s tough love approach and the demanding environment at United helped him transform from a flashy player into a prolific goal scorer. This development was achieved without explicit guidance, as the senior players naturally toughened Ronaldo up. Ronaldo's evolution into a global superstar is attributed to Ferguson’s early patience and strategic nurturing, evidenced by his continued success in international football, now playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Sir Alex Ferguson had a keen eye for Cristiano Ronaldo's potential despite initial skepticism from others at Manchester United, and he was prepared to shield him from criticism as he adjusted to the English game.
Ryan Giggs shared insights into Ronaldo's early experiences in the Premier League, where his flashy style often led to him being targeted during training, but Ferguson insisted on no special treatment, encouraging a robust approach to his development.
Ferguson's approach was characterized by a blend of protection and tough love, understanding that Ronaldo's talent required both nurturing and resilience to thrive in a competitive environment.
The Manchester United dressing room played a crucial role in Ronaldo's development, as the senior players naturally imposed the physical challenges typical of Premier League matches, which helped him grow stronger and more resilient.
Ronaldo's transformation from a showman to a scoring machine is attributed to Ferguson's strategic patience and the challenging training atmosphere, which cultivated his skills and resilience.
Ronaldo’s progress and record-breaking career achievements underscore the effectiveness of Ferguson's management style, as Ronaldo continues to excel, currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Ryan Giggs emphasized that the mentoring Ronaldo received at Manchester United was instrumental in his evolution, reflecting the club's culture of fostering talent through rigorous and supportive training environments.
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.'"
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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.