“Your love makes me
strong, your hate makes me unstoppable”
August 16, 2003 – Match day: Given the stature and
popularity of Manchester United every match day is an occasion worth being
excited about, but on this particular day the excitement was hardly
containable. It had nothing to do with the opponents, Bolton, but everything to
do with the transfer that took place only three days prior. United had fought
off a host of other top clubs across Europe for the signature of one of the brightest
prospects in the world. The boy, only 18 years of age, was so highly thought of
by manager Sir Alex Ferguson that he was bequeathed the prestigious number
seven jersey that had been worn by United greats. That jersey brought great
pressure and even greater expectations capable of breaking lesser players, but
not this player.
Sixty minutes into the match the moment had arrived. With
United leading 1-0 Ferguson decided it was time to debut his new number seven.
Old Trafford sprang to life as fans cheered with such vigor; cheers for a
player that had terrorized them less than two weeks prior. As Nicky Butt
trudged towards the sidelines the camera stayed trained on his replacement who
wore a face so focused and determined he barely seemed to notice the rousing
ovation he received. After a quick shake of hands (with Butt) and kiss of his
wrist, the Theatre of Dreams was for the first time graced with the presence of
one Cristiano Ronaldo.
His introduction sparked United and led to three more goals
for the home side as they routed visiting Bolton 4-0. A win for United always
sends fans home happy but on that day they had just witnessed greatness, and
they knew it.
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