Fergie was “sure” of Ronaldo return

Patrice Evra has claimed Sir Alex Ferguson was absolutely certain Cristiano Ronaldo would return in the summer of 2013.

Ferguson announced his retirement soon after United clinched their 20th title in April 2013 and was replaced by David Moyes, who only lasted nine months in the job before being sacked in April 2014, with United languishing in seventh.

However, according to Evra, only two weeks before announcing his retirement, Fergie had spoken with the United left-back about bringing Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford and was adamant he would remain in charge for another five years himself.

“I remember we talked maybe two weeks before and he said, ‘Patrice, I will be here another five years,'” Evra told The Sunday Times.

“I said, ‘yes boss, let’s do it.’ I was so convinced. He was looking younger and younger, amazing. He even told me ’99 per cent, Cristiano Ronaldo will come’. I was like, ‘wow, we are ready to bounce back and to even win the Champions League again’.”

Evra, who left United 12 months later, added that Fergie’s departure was a big blow for him, as he felt “lost” without the Sir Alex.

“After that everyone knows what happened. You know when you are lost and you feel like the world is crumbling? It was a big trauma. I felt lost.”