Cristiano Ronaldo’s first training session was a huge moment for Manchester United supporters.

Ronaldo is a player many dared dream would return, but few thought it would ever happen.

Now he is here, and he is real, and what an incredible experience it was for the young academy players who joined the session.

Cristiano Ronaldo Returns to Manchester United
(Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Hannibal, Joe Hugill, and Alvaro Fernandez were all pictured in the session at Carrington, with United including youngsters from the under-23s, with several top stars away on international duty.

Fernandez sent a message out on social media, describing training alongside Ronaldo as a ‘special moment’.

Big talent

Fernandez has been the standout player for United’s under-23s this season with two goals and one assist from left-back.

 

United signed Fernandez last summer from Real Madrid. He will have grown up idolising Ronaldo.

The responses to Fernandez’s message said it all. Spanish United teammates Marc Jurado and Alejandro Garnacho showed their admiration, among several others, academy teammates past and present.

Inspiration

Getting a chance to train alongside Ronaldo is a dream for most players, let alone a budding 18-year-old like Fernandez.

Fernandez will be back with United’s under-23s this weekend, and he will want to be back with Ronaldo and co as quickly as possible.

This will have given him a taste and he will want more. United’s decision to include him with the squad this week could pay off long term.

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