Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward reportedly played a key role in convincing Cristiano Ronaldo to return to Manchester United.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was widely expected to complete a move from Juventus to Manchester City before shocking the football world by re-signing for the Red Devils.
United supposedly moved for Ronaldo as they 'could not bear' to see him in a City shirt, and journalist Dharmesh Sheth claims that Woodward and Sir Alex Ferguson had big roles to play in the move.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Sheth said: "I'm told that Ed Woodward had a big role in this transfer. I'm told he structured the deal and ensured the owners could sanction that deal.
"Another person who played a part in this deal is an emotional one, it's Sir Alex Ferguson. He made what's now a famous phone call to Ronaldo last week to say 'get back to Manchester United'."
Man United confirmed Ronaldo's return to the club earlier on deadline day, and the Red Devils will supposedly pay an initial £12.8m to re-sign him from Juventus.
The 36-year-old struck 118 goals in 292 games during his first spell at United and leaves Juventus after netting 101 times in 134 games across all competitions.
Ben Knapton
