10 Incredible Premier League "What Ifs"
1. Cristiano Ronaldo stays at Man Utd
Every one knows this story. A skinny Portuguese lad ripping apart Sir Alex Ferguson's first team in a friendly game resulted in a transfer and the road to stardom for one Cristiano Ronaldo. His debut against Bolton Wanderers changed the face of Premier League football for good but it was all over just as soon as it began.
Despite everything Ronaldo claims to owe to Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson, his feet started to itch in 2008 and he requested a transfer to Real Madrid amidst their persistent interest. Sir Alex convinced Cristiano to remain for one more year and he lifted the FIFA Club World Cup, the Balon d'Or, the FIFA World Player of the Year, the Puskas Award, the Premier League title and the League Cup trophies but that was that.
Had Ronaldo opted against a move to Real Madrid, Manchester United's subsequent seasons would have looked very differently indeed. The club would never have invested in the likes of Antonio Valencia, Michael Owen, Javier Hernandez, Robin Van Persie or any other player to replace Cristiano's immense goal threat.
Success would have been guaranteed as the club built team after team around Ronaldo but his chances of winning the Balon d'Or again would have been greatly diminished with Lionel Messi having no direct rival in Spain. Ronaldo's determination to win both club and individual trophies can never be questioned but Messi's exploits for Barcelona would look ever more impressive.
Did Ronaldo make his move to Real for selfish reasons? Almost definitely. He knew where he needed to be in order to secure his individual plaudits and he would never have reached the highs he has if he had remained in Manchester.