Rio Ferdinand has reacalled the time Brazil icon Ronaldo managed to score a hat-trick against him when Real Madrid played Manchester United in the Champions League more than 20 years ago.
The hosts ultimately ran out 4-3 winners on the night but the Spanish club progressed through to the semi-finals with a 6-5 aggregate triumph.
Two second-half goals from David Beckham failed to counteract Ronaldo’s treble, who gave Ferdinand a tough time. The striker, who had led Brazil to the 2002 World Cup almost nine months earlier, lit up Old Trafford on a night where he received a standing ovation from all four corners.
Ferdinand and former United colleague Owen Hargreaves were asked about which opponents dazzled them during their Champions League careers. READ MORE: Latest United training squad includes Kobbie Mainoo READ MORE: Varane explains why United can win the Champions League Hargreaves recalled how he was awestruck by Zinedine Zidane, saying: “I remember just looking at him in the game thinking: ‘my God’.