Fernandinho confirms City had a ‘considerable chance’ of beating United to signing Ronaldo 

Fernandinho has confirmed that Manchester City had a ‘considerable chance’ of signing Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of United in the summer transfer window. 

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner completed a sensational return to United after signing from Juventus in a deal worth £19.8million on deadline day. 

However, Fernandinho has revealed how Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes had visited Manchester City to discuss a possible deal with the Premier League champions. 

Fernandinho has confirmed Manchester City had a ‘considerable chance’ of signing Ronaldo

Manchester City were said to be in pole position to sign Ronaldo on a two-year contract this summer. 

However, it is believed the deal broke down as the club were unwillingness to pay the proposed fee set by Juventus. 

Additionally, the Premier League giants would have required Ronaldo to take a significant reduction in his £500,000-a-week wages.  

Therefore, Manchester United swooped in and signed the forward two-year deal with an option for a further year. The deal cost the Red Devils £12.9million with £6.9m to follow in add-ons. 

Following the transfer debacle, Fernandinho has outlined exactly how close City came to signing the super-star. When he spoke to  ESPN, he said: ‘I think there was a good, considerable chance. 

He said Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes had visited Manchester City to discuss a possible deal

He said Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes had visited Manchester City to discuss a possible deal

However, Ronaldo signed for Manchester United in a deal worth £19.8million instead

However, Ronaldo signed for Manchester United in a deal worth £19.8million instead

‘I think his agent was here at the club renewing the contracts of Ederson, Ruben Dias, seeing the situation of Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo.

‘Obviously, if you’re there at the table, you can talk about everything and every possible player.’

Fernandinho also said that he thought the pressure of signing the forward and the expectations set on the club were to blame for the deal collapsing. 

He said: ‘I think that a lot of expectations were also raised with the possibility of him coming here.

‘No doubt this ends up affecting not only the fans, but also the people inside the club. 

He has already scored three goals in two appearances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side

He has already scored three goals in two appearances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side

However, Manchester United did lose their opening Champions League match on Tuesday

However, Manchester United did lose their opening Champions League match on Tuesday

‘But in the end, things didn’t work out, he didn’t close the deal, and ended up going to the red side of town. Life goes on.’

Manchester United are in the running for a major trophy this season after strengthening their squad with the likes of Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane. 

Ronaldo has already made an impact on the squad – having scored three goals in two appearances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

As a result, many have touted them to win their years Champions League despite their failure in the Europa League final in Gdansk last term.  

However, Fernandinho still believes Manchester City have what it takes to dominate Europe. 

He said: ‘If you’re going to compare name by name, I think it’s very level. Both teams have a very good squad. Perhaps one or the other will wash away a very small advantage. 

‘But I think that, due to the standard of play, the way we have played for five or six years with Pep [Guardiola], we have a defined standard of play, we know exactly how each player behaves or should behave on the pitch. 

United have so far swooped for Jadon Sancho (left) and Raphael Varane in the summer window

United have so far swooped for Jadon Sancho (left) and Raphael Varane in the summer window

However, Fernandinho still believes Manchester City have what it takes to dominate Europe

However, Fernandinho still believes Manchester City have what it takes to dominate Europe

‘We know about the quality of each player and how he can play the best role in the matches. Without a doubt, in this matter, we have a little more advantage.

‘Having practically the same players since 2017, it’s no wonder the club managed to win three titles in the last five.

‘But without a doubt United, due to history, the weight of the shirt, the quality of the players, in a short period of time can reach the level we are at today.’

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