Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo once revealed that his toughest opponent was a “tenacious player” who he faced during his Manchester United playing career.
Ronaldo burst onto the scene during his first spell at Old Trafford and thrived under Sir Alex Ferguson after United signed him from Sporting CP for £12.24m in 2003.
Once named as one of Ferguson’s four world-class players at United, the 38-year-old Portuguese forward lifted the first of his five Ballon d’Or awards at Old Trafford.
During his prolific spell at United, Ronaldo captured three Premier League titles, a Champions League, an FA Cup and two League Cups under Ferguson.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner left United for the first time in 2009 when he completed a sensational £80m move to La Liga side Real Madrid.
While he has competed in both Serie A and La Liga with Juventus and Madrid respectively, Ronaldo faced his fair share of stiff competition in the Premier League.
The Portugal captain first arrived at United as a scrawny teenager, a distant memory compared to his chiselled physique now, and would be tested physically in England.
Ronaldo on his battles with Ashley Cole
Ronaldo revealed that he had his work cut out for him when he came up against former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Ashley Cole.
Speaking to Coach Mag in 2016 (via Sky Sports), the former United superstar admitted that Cole wouldn’t allow him a “second to breathe” in their battles.
Ronaldo, whose second spell with United came to an end in 2022, insisted that he played against the Chelsea legend at the “peak” of his powers.
“Over the years I had some great battles with Ashley Cole, he does not give you a second to breathe,” he said at the time.
“He was such a tenacious player when he was at his peak, quick, tough in the tackle. You knew it would never be an easy game.”
Cole on playing against Ronaldo
Ronaldo’s initial impact in his second spell at United was felt, but the Al Nassr captain’s exit was abrupt and came after a falling out with manager Erik ten Hag.
The Portugal international pulled no punches towards Ten Hag, his former United teammates and the Glazers’ ownership of the club in his tell-all 2022 interview.
Ronaldo’s contract with United was terminated by mutual agreement last November, with the club legend later signing for current Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.
Cole has also recalled his encounters with Ronaldo on the pitch and shared his feelings on a 2006 clash at Old Trafford where he ‘pocketed’ the United legend.
Speaking to Chelsea TV in 2021, he said: “I was so focused on that game. Even in the changing room I just felt different going into this game.
“My focus and concentration — mentally I was on it. I came to show him the line a lot because I kind of fancied my chances up against him with my pace.
“And a little bit of mentality actually, I think I got in his head a few times. He always wanted that extra trick.
“I gave him a strong tackle, maybe it was a foul or not, I don’t know. And I felt at that time he didn’t want it no more.
“He’s kind of put his hand up and said, ‘I wanna go off.’ So, I think it was a good time to say I had him in my pocket.
“But I had so much respect for him, it was always a tough battle against not just Manchester United but against him. And to see what he’s gone on to do is [a] testament to how good he actually was.
“This is just one of my good moments against him and I would probably say I came out on top on this occasion.”