On the best Champions League night for Manchester United in recent memory, which drew acclaim for Jose Mourinho’s side from all corners, one particular Red Devils legend wasn’t particularly enamoured with their incredible 2-1 win over Juventus.
Speaking to ‘the best goal-getter of all time’, Viasat pundit Jan Aage Fjortoft engaged Cristiano Ronaldo in conversation after his side Juventus suffered a shock group stage defeat at home for the first time since 2003, the same year in which Ferguson bought CR7 to Old Trafford.
Ronaldo opened the scoring just after an hour mark. A beautiful ball from defender Leandro Bonucci was played sublimely over the Manchester United defence, that was finished off exquisitely by the most devastating marksman in the game.
Firstly commenting on his admittedly stunning opener, Ronaldo was obviously pleased with himself, telling Fjortoft,
“I have seen the replay in the dressing room,
“I didn’t realise it was a fantastic goal, but I did good movement and I kick with the ball strong.
Judging by his immediate reaction, lifting his shirt up to reveal an enviable eight-pack and smugly addressing the raucous Juventus crowd, he did know how fantastic that goal really was.
His following comments though, didn’t show much affinity for the club at which he spent six magical years and at which he virtually capitulated himself into the upper echelons of the footballing world, although did slyly recognise it as the biggest club in the city.
“I was happy for the goal but we are a little disappointed because we should have won the game easily, by three or four goals.
“Manchester, they didn’t do much, in my opinion.
“They created two chances, set pieces, I know the English teams they are always looking for the set pieces.
“But we will learn from our mistakes and we are still top of the group so we are good.”
Though Juventus indeed do top Group H and Ronaldo has the peerless pedigree in Europe’s most elite competition - being the top-scorer and holder of the most trophies - the Portuguese was cautious when responding to Jamie Carragher’s follow-up question as to the Old Lady’s chances for success for the first time in 23 years.
‘It is a long way from the finals… step-by-step.’
Juventus remain third favourites to lift Old Big Ears in June, behind Manchester City and Barcelona, at 11/2. Manchester United meanwhile have been moved in from 50/1 to 33/1,
You can watch the footage of Ronaldo's comments below.
(@JanAageFjortoft & @Carra23)