Former Manchester United defender John O’Shea has opened up about the night an 18-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo announced himself to the footballing world and convinced Sir Alex Ferguson to bring him to Old Trafford. The story of Ronaldo’s brilliant performance for Sporting CP against United in 2003 has become legendary. O’Shea, who was tasked with marking the teenage phenom at the time, recently provided a fresh perspective.

The game was played at the Estadio José Alvalade, the grand opening of Sporting CP’s new stadium. United had just returned from a demanding pre-season tour in the United States. O’Shea recalled the team’s fatigue from jet lag but added that Ronaldo’s prowess that night transcended any excuses.

Sporting CP secured a 3-1 win, with Ronaldo running rings around United’s defense, leaving a lasting impression on the Red Devils’ players and staff.

Speaking as part of the United We Play program that empowers players from untapped communities, John O’Shea said (via GOAL):

“When we saw what Cristiano could do, it was straightforward that we needed him. That was the one time players were delighted they weren’t playing—not because of Ronaldo, but because everyone was jet-lagged coming back from America. Trust me, I always take it as a compliment that he played so well against me. The manager must have thought: ‘He’s done well against John, so we’ll have to sign him straightaway.”