The ReDevils || Manchester United blog fans

Cristiano Ronaldo became Manchester United's newest young hero when he signed from Sporting Lisbon in August 2003 and was immediately given David Beckham's number 7 shirt.

The Portuguese teenager was expected to take his time to settle in England, but made an immediate impact with a stunning debut against Bolton at Old Trafford. While he did not always replicate that level of performance in his first season, Ronaldo's tricks were always entertaining at the very least.

Sir Alex Ferguson made sure he gave the youngster plenty of rest, and the three week break he enjoyed after Christmas certainly paid dividends with some inspirational performances towards the end of the season.

While Manchester United's title challenge was fading fast, Ronaldo's importance to the team was becoming more and more evident with each game. The season ended on a high for him with a goal in the FA Cup final and a call-up to Portugal's Euro 2004 squad.

He started the tournament on the bench, but his performances and goals persuaded Luiz Felipe Scolari to make him a crucial part of the team that went all the way to the final, though Ronaldo was left in tears after Greece spoiled the hosts' party.

Those tears were soon turned into smiles though as he became a firm favourite with the Old Trafford faithful in his second season at the club. Indeed, along with fellow youngster Wayne Rooney, Ronaldo's superb season was one of the few highlights in an otherwise poor campaign at Old Trafford.

Despite a small dip mid-season, his crowd-pleasing tricks saw him make 50 appearances all in all, scoring nine, often lavish, goals including two in a Barclays Premiership game against Arsenal.

He continued this fine form for Portugal, scoring seven goals as they made a strong start in their World Cup 2006 qualifying group. 2005/06 was a mixed season for him, with off-field troubles and heartbreak affecting his form on it. He improved after Christmas, scoring six goals in five games in February, including one in the Carling Cup final.

Ronaldo also performed well for Portugal in the World Cup in Germany, helping them get to the semi-finals, although his tournament was overshadowed by the part he was alleged to have played in getting Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney sent off in the quarter-finals. The young winger was made public enemy number one by the English press, while quotes attributed to him about wanting to join Real Madrid only made him more unpopular.

With many fans, both opposition and Manchester United, baying for his blood at the start of the season, Ronaldo rose above the criticism to put in some stunning performances for the Red Devils and was the key figure in their push for the title in 2006/07, not only winning that trophy but also every individual award going and establishing himself as one of the best players in Europe.

He continued to shine in 2007/08, his fine form helping United to a Premier League and Champions League double.

He scored 42 goals (just two short of Ruud van Nistelrooy's club record), but beat George Best's long-standing goal-scoring record for a midfielder.

One of those goals came in the Champions League final against Chelsea and, despite missing a penalty in the subsequant shoot-out, United still claimed glory.

Such was his impressive form that he attracted the interest of Spanish giants Real Madrid. He has done little to dismiss rumours of a move there, and it still remains unclear if he will be playing his football in Manchester or Madrid next season.

Reference @ www.carling.com