Cristiano Ronaldo dedicated his man-of-the-match award to former manager Sir Alex Ferguson after scoring both goals in Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup.
Ronaldo was the shining star in the most expensive football side ever fielded, with a combined total of £382million worth of talent.
Ferguson, a spectator at the match on behalf of UEFA, said the Real star had ‘made it easy’ for him at Cardiff City Stadium, as he awarded the former United starlet the award.
“I am happy because I scored these two goals and I want to thank Sir Alex for handing me the man of the match trophy,” Ronaldo said.
“He helped me a lot when I was just 18 in Manchester and I want to say I respect him and thank him so much for everything he did in my career.
“This was a trophy I wanted because I haven’t won it yet. I was nervous, but I managed to work well with the team and I am pleased.”
Ferguson said: “Normally in a cup final it is difficult to choose a man of the match but Cristiano made it easy for me.”
[Vine] Cristiano Ronaldo’s reaction when seeing Sir Alex Ferguson tonight in Cardiff (Via @ciaranoconnor22) – https://t.co/tddAW05j9i
— RedMancunian (@RedMancunian) August 12, 2014
Ronaldo struck in each half to ensure a successful Wales homecoming for his team-mate Gareth Bale, thrilling the 33,500 crowd with an abundance of footballing prowess.
Bale also displayed just why Real shelled out a world record £86million to prise the Welshman from Tottenham last summer, delivering a precision cross for Ronaldo to bag the opener.
“It was my first official match this season, and I felt good,” Ronaldo said.
“I managed to score and that gave me confidence, and I am going to continue to work to improve my level.
“We realised it would be a complex game tonight, but we played well and created opportunities. We played with intensity, and we were justified winners, which is why we are taking the cup back home.”
Sir Alex Ferguson presents man of the match award to Ronaldo. Two legends of the game.#SuperCup https://t.co/90rLaf6y1F
— Sam (@samuelJayC) August 12, 2014
Ronaldo also praised Real’s star summer signings Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez, who both enjoyed impressive run-outs.
“As I said, these are two crucial players for us. They helped the team win. We are happy to welcome them,” he added.
“Kroos and Rodriguez are integrating themselves well – they are fantastic players.
“This was a trophy I wanted because I hadn’t won it in my career. I was nervous to see how I would feel on the pitch, but I am happy because I scored twice.”
Quality cross by Gareth Bale and Ronaldo with the finish. 1-0 http://t.co/6fu3CYxoRW
— Football Vines (@FootballVines) August 12, 2014
Real boss Carlo Ancelotti applauded his new look side, with new arrivals Rodriguez and Kroos joining Bale and Ronaldo in a team captained by goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
The European Champions looked in tremendous shape ahead of their domestic season, and look ready for war in anticipation of them mounting a serious title challenge to close rival Atletico Madrid.
Ancelotti said: “The team played very well, especially bearing in mind we didn’t have much time to prepare. The game worked out pretty well.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s second goal vs Sevilla. Brilliant http://t.co/iuyhepwlg8
— Football Vines (@FootballVines) August 12, 2014
“I think we might be starting a very important cycle. We have a squad of extraordinary quality – I am fortunate to be able to coach an outstanding group of players.
“It’s hard to improve this team. We have an outstanding set of players, and it is important to use the squad to its full capacity. To be competitive in all competitions we need to rotate players.”
