If Fernando Santos could have his time back again as Sporting CP coach, he would not have allowed then-teenage sensation Cristiano Ronaldo to face Manchester United in that famous friendly which shaped the Portuguese star's career.
In 2003, a baby-faced Ronaldo came up against United in a pre-season game and dazzled his English opponents, so much so that Alex Ferguson quickly signed the 18-year-old.
Reflecting on Ronaldo's stunning career, Portugal coach Santos revealed his regret in fielding the three-time Ballon d'Or winner against United on that fateful night 13 years ago.
"I was the coach when Sporting played United. I played Cristiano Ronaldo and later wished I hadn't," Santos said on Wednesday.
"A week after [Ricardo] Quaresma left to join Barcelona, then two days later Cristiano Ronaldo was on his way to Manchester.
"Back in those day, I could never have imagined that 13 years on, both of them would be crowned European champions with the national team."
