Manchester United might not have seen two major signings arrive during and after the Sir Alex Ferguson era had it not been for a “new law” that was introduced.
Sir Alex Ferguson was known for bringing the best in class to Old Trafford and the 83-year-old iconic Scotsman saw both the highs and lows in the transfer market.
The legendary former Manchester United manager signed a plethora of star-studded talent, including Eric Cantona, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Roy Keane.
Ferguson, on the other hand, also wasn’t immune to signing flops and saw his fair share of disappointing transfers, including Eric Djemba-Djemba and Jose Kleberson.
However, the positive transfers for the United legend paid off at Old Trafford and Ferguson ushered in a period of dominance for the Red Devils over English football.
During his 26-year reign at the Red Devils, the legendary Scot lifted 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, five FA Cups and four League Cups.
How Man Utd legends Sir Alex Ferguson and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer both benefited at Old Trafford from a key rule change
Sir Alex Ferguson famously signed Cristiano Ronaldo when he was only 18 years old after the ex-Manchester United superstar impressed during his time at Sporting CP.
United paid Sporting CP a £12.24m transfer fee for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2003 and the 40-year-old Portuguese forward enjoyed a prolific first spell at Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also enjoyed the benefits of talent in Portugal after Red Devils skipper Bruno Fernandes arrived at Old Trafford from Sporting CP in 2020.
Bruno Fernandes has been considered United’s best signing in the post-Ferguson era and the 30-year-old Portuguese midfielder has had a major impact for United.
Portugal legend Paulo Futre has now suggested that he is responsible for players like Ronaldo arriving at Old Trafford in the first place after a “new law” was introduced.
“They had to invent a new law,” he told Manchester United’s official website.
“In 1987, I was the only player abroad and refused the obligatory national service. So, the government had to create a new rule.
“Luis Figo and Rui Costa came after me and played abroad, because of me. Now there are over 300 Portuguese players playing abroad, and there are players in teams like Real Madrid and Juventus, thanks to me.”
Portugal legend Paulo Futre sends a clear-cut message to Man Utd fans after Sir Alex Ferguson was able to sign Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal had a ‘Military Service Law,’ which was dubbed ‘Law 30/1987,’ and it was in place in 1987 amid Paulo Futre’s playing spell in Portugal with Porto.
The law mandated military service for men between 18 and 35 years old and allowed voluntary service at 17, but it would later be abolished by ‘Law 174/1999.’
Futre started his career at Sporting CP and the former Portugal international would leave his native homeland in 1987 and sign for Spanish side Atletico Madrid.
The former Sporting and Porto player hilariously suggested that United fans should “thank” him for getting the old law around conscription abolished in Portugal.
“Manchester United fans can be very grateful to me,” Futre continued.
“If this law hadn’t changed, Ronaldo would never have played here! United fans are among the best in the world and they should thank me!”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s stunning first spell at Old Trafford under Ferguson came to an end in 2009 after the United legend completed his blockbuster move to Real Madrid.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/UhHaC58