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'Can we take him home please?’ - Ferguson phone call begging to sign Ronaldo revealed by ex-Man Utd chief Kenyon

Former Manchester United chief executive Peter Kenyon has revealed how a half-time phone call from Sir Alex Ferguson persuaded the club to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Red Devils spent much of the summer of 2003 in pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain forward Ronaldinho, who was one of the game’s most high-profile players after shining for Brazil in their World Cup triumph the previous summer.

United ultimately failed in their pursuit of the Brazilian, but did bolster their front line that summer in the form of 18-year-old Ronaldo.

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The club made the forward the most expensive teenager in British football history when they shelled out £12 million (€13.