AROUND THE GROUNDS: Around the World

NAME

Christiano Ronaldo

CLUB

Manchester United

AGE

Born 5th February 1985

HOMETOWN

Funchal, Madeira

POSITION

Winger/Striker

SQUAD NUMBER

7

SIGNED FOR CLUB

Ronaldo joined United in the summer of 2003

PREVIOUS CLUBS

Nacional (Madeira)
Sporting Lisbon (Portugal)

HEIGHT

184cm

DEBUT

Ronaldo first appeared for United at the start of the 2003/2004 season.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Ronaldo has represented Portugal at Under-15, 16, 17 and senior international level. He made his professional debut for Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese Super Liga in September 2002 at the age of just seventeen. He appeared 25 times for Sporting Lisbon last season and scored three goals.

Ronaldo first caught the attention of United when he played against them in a pre-season friendly in Lisbon during the summer. According to Sir Alex Ferguson, his players were so impressed that they urged him to sign the player on their way back to Manchester.

Because he is young and lacks experience, Ronaldo is unlikely to play every game for United this season. Because Ryan Giggs plays in the same position, he may have to wait before he gets a good run in the first team. Despite this, Ronaldo has already confused defenders with his brilliant 'step-over' and shown the sort of skill that encouraged Ferguson to buy him in the first place.

His skills have already made him a favourite of the Old Trafford fans. Alex Ferguson has also said that Ronaldo is one of the most exciting young players he has ever seen.