Staff : First Team : Cristiano Ronaldo

For the past three seasons Cristiano Ronaldo's array of dummies, flicks and step-overs – on both wings – have delighted United supporters and bamboozled defenders.

It was this trickery in one memorable display for Sporting Lisbon, in a pre season friendly against United, that led Sir Alex to sign the talented Madeiran for £12.24m in August 2003.

Upon his arrival he wasted little time in showing off his sublime skills. A stunning 30-minute cameo against Bolton at Old Trafford gave indication of what was to follow in a stunning first season.

After making 39 appearances and scoring 8 goals – including the opener in United’s FA Cup final victory over Millwall – he was named the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year for 2003/04.

Despite impressing at Euro 2004 with Portugal, losing in the final to Greece, his second season never quite lived up to his first. But after rediscovering his form in the latter half of 2004/05, he ended the season with 50 appearances and 9 goals.

In 2005/06 Ronaldo again reserved his best form for the latter half of the campaign. He scored United’s goal of the season at Portsmouth, netted one of the Reds' four in the Carling Cup final and registered 12 goals in 47 games.

Ronaldo is steadily improving and at 21 is seen by Sir Alex as key to United’s future success.

Position: Winger
Appearances: 183
Goals: 48
Joined United: 12 Aug 2003
Transfer Fee: £12.24million
Previous Clubs: Sporting Lisbon
United Debut: 16 Aug 2003 v Bolton (H)
International Portugal