Cristiano Ronaldo has spent more time talking about United, our manager and our fans, than anything else since officially joining Real Madrid this week.

He spoken to the press again today hailing Sir Alex Ferguson as the ‘maestro’ and that it was a ‘pleasure’ for him to play at Old Trafford.

“Ferguson is a maestro,” Ronaldo said. “For me he was my father in football. He was crucial in my career and, outside football, was a great human being with me. Talent isn’t everything. You can have it from the cradle, but it is necessary to learn the trade to be the best. When I arrived in England I was an 18-year-old kid and had established stars by my side. Ferguson taught me to clean up my faults, to know to give the pass at the last moment, to take the right decision in the area. I spent six years at United and I owe them everything that I am today. I made history at United and won many trophies. It was a pleasure to play at Old Trafford, but now a new stage in my life is beginning at the Bernabeu with new challenges.”