Manchester United have one former player who defines the word ‘legend’

The word ‘legend’ is one that appears frequently in football.

Players and managers over the years have received such an accolade for their services to the game. Each club has their own legends, who the fans adore for better or worse.

Manchester United have been fortunate enough to have a whole heap of people they can call ‘legends’. This, of course, is subjective, but the vote is usually resounding for the legendary status. For example Sir Alex Ferguson is, without a shadow of a doubt, a legend at Old Trafford.

But what about Cristiano Ronaldo? Can he be considered a Manchester United legend?

Absolutely. No question.

The only fact that brings doubt into the minds of those who support United about whether or not Cristiano is a legend is the fact that he left the club at the tender age of 24 in order to join Real Madrid.

Leaving for the La Liga side however was simply a case of  natural progression. Ronaldo achieved SO much during his time in England.

He arrived a lanky adolescent, with questionable blonde highlights – and left as the world’s best and most expensive player. He proved himself in one of the toughest leagues – the most physical league – and excelled in it. He won Premier League titles, a Champions League title, a Ballon d’Or, the FA cup ad even the FIFA Cup World Cup. The list is extensive and astonishing.

Why would Ronaldo not have joined Real Madrid? In reality, there was really nothing left for him to achieve in England.

It made perfect sense for him to move to one of the biggest clubs in the world, and to showcase his talent on another stage. Even now he is breaking La Liga records and making it look easy.

So how can you not consider him a Manchester United legend?

He did incredible things during his stint at the club, never celebrated a goal against them for Real Madrid, and still to this day speaks highly of Manchester United and their fans.

He is a modern day Manchester United legend. The word cannot be reserved solely for the class of ’92, Sir Alex, Bryan Robson, George Best et al.

He is the best player United have had in recent times, and is the best player in the world.

Alex Ferguson would not hand the iconic number 7 shirt to just anybody. Whether he played for fifteen years or five months is irrelevant. In his relatively short time at United, he achieved more than most could ever dream of. He is up there with the greats.

Manchester United fans. Is Ronaldo the one that got away? Do you want him back at any cost? Let us know your thoughts below, become a guest blogger or tweet us @LaFootyettes.