Manchester United had no intention of signing Cristiano Ronaldo this summer but have moved for him because they could not bear the thought of him playing for Man City, according to reports.
The 36-year-old edged a step closer to completing his sensational return to Old Trafford from Juventus at the weekend after undergoing a medical in Lisbon.
It is the latest development in what has been a whirlwind week for the Portugal star, which began with his representatives entering into advanced talks with the Premier League champions.
Manchester Evening News report as of Friday morning, City were the only club interested in signing the former Real Madrid star.