Prandelli: 'Parma close to signing Ronaldo before he joined Man Utd'
Sporting's asking price was € 12.5 million at that time and while Parma were trying to lower the player's price-tag, Manchester United pounced on the player with Sir Alex Ferguson who spotted the talent of Cristiano during a summer friendly match. Ferguson convinced Ronaldo to join the Red Devils even before he could even leave the stadium. After the final whistle of that game, Cristiano was already a new Manchester United player.