Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that Manchester City's interest in Cristiano Ronaldo was the key factor in the Red Devils re-signing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Ronaldo was thought to have been on the brink of a switch to the Etihad from Juventus, only for Man United to complete a shock swoop for their former player.

The 36-year-old announced his second coming with a brace against Newcastle United in Saturday's 4-1 victory, but Ferguson has admitted that the thought of seeing him in blue was the motivation for the Red Devils to re-sign him.

Speaking to Viaplay, the 79-year-old said: "I couldn't imagine him playing for Manchester City – I don't think anybody could.

"That's why we made steps to ensure that he came here. The club then followed him well, I spoke to the Glazers, and then it was done."

Ronaldo's brace against Newcastle took him up to 120 goals in 293 appearances for the Red Devils, while he now boasts 86 goals from 197 Premier League games.