Ronaldo the new Beckham

After a pre-season friendly in August 2003 Manchester United's players were so impressed with Sporting Lisbon's 18-year-old winger they urged coach Alex Ferguson, who had been tracking him for four years, to sign him.

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo (L) fights for the ball with Panathinaikos's Ioannis Goumas during a group E Champions League soccer game, in Athens, 26 November 2003. AFP PHOTO/ Aris MESSINIS

His name is Cristiano Ronaldo and his 22.2 million euros (20 million dollars) move to Old Trafford was an immediate hit with the public.

"It looks like the fans have a new hero," Ferguson said of the player to whom he gave the freshly departed David Beckham's number seven shirt, one formerly filled by Eric Cantona and Bryan Robson.

Portuguese national team soccer players Cristiano Ronaldo (R) and Hugo Leal (L) seen during the trainning session at the national stadium, near Lisbon, 08 October 2003. Next saturday, Portugal will play against Albania in a friendly match in preparation for the upcoming Euro 2004 due to take place in Portugal. AFP PHOTO ANTONIO COTRIM/ LUSA

His five year contract at United saw his wages leap from around 400 euros (350 dolllars) per week at Sporting to 40,000 euros (35,000 dollars) per week at United.

"He is an outstanding prospect as he is a two-footed attacker and can play on both flanks and down the middle," Ferguson told the club's website at the time.

Another week on and the most expensive teenager in British football history was called up to the senior Portugal squad, making his debut August 20, 2003 in a 1-0 win over Kazakhstan.

Thriving

Few are the men of his age playing in any top side but Cristiano Ronaldo reacted so well to the pressure at United he earned praise from his teammates, coach and the media thanks to consistently brilliant cameo performances.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (R) vies with France's Bernard Mendy in an under-21 European Championship palyoff at D. Afonso Henriques Stadium, in Guimaraes 15 November 2003.

Before joining United, Ronaldo had enjoyed just one season of top flight action with Sporting, making some 25 appearances in the 2002-03 season.

Born on Madeira Island in February 1985 his father called him Ronaldo due to his respect for the former American President Reagan. He played for two local clubs before Sporting whisked him to the capital at the age of 11.

Despite his dizzying skills on the pitch he was at best an average student and had reported problems of aggression. In England he was also involved in a fight featuring several United and Arsenal players shortly after his arrival, though he escaped an FA ban.

He however claims to have experienced just two minor problems with his move from the deep south to the chilly north of England: "The biggest difficulty has been getting used to the weather and the food," he complained.

No problem, Ferguson, who is monitoring the youngster's progress with an ever watchful eye, sent him home for a three week holiday in January 2004.

The break could provide Ronaldo with fresher legs during the Euro 2004 finals in his homeland where Portugal have been drawn in first round Group A along with Spain, Greece and Russia.

He was given a boost ahead of Euro when Manchester United won the FA Cup on a day when Ronaldo was so good the unforgiving English press hailed him as one of the brightest young talents in European football.