Cristiano Ronaldo has made a sensational return to Manchester United 12 years after leaving following an 11th hour intervention from his former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Portugal star, 36, had been offered to local rivals Manchester City and looked on the verge of a switch from Turin to the blue half of Manchester as early as Friday morning.

But a call from Ferguson suggesting he could not bear to see him in sky blue when United could provide a glorious homecoming tilted the balance.

Ronaldo, who has signed in a deal worth £12.8million plus £6.8m in add ons, is believed to be be earning £500,000 a week on his return to Old Trafford.

But the player has told the club his move is not about reliving the past but about writing a new chapter in the club’s and his own history.

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Ronaldo flew from Turin to Lisbon in his private jet to complete a medical before joining up ahead of international duty.

United later released a statement which read: “Manchester United is delighted to confirm that the club has reached agreement with Juventus for the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo, subject to agreement of personal terms, visa and medical.

“Everyone at the club looks forward to welcoming Cristiano back to Manchester.”

Ronaldo could make his debut for United for the second time round in the Premier League clash against Newcastle United at Old Trafford on September 11.

At 36, Ronaldo remains in peak physical condition and both United and the player are convinced he can perform despite gruelling demands of the faster paced Premier League.

“If you look at the business that Chelsea have done and that City were looking to do. Manchester United had to look to compete.

“What they have done here bolstered their squad with a proven goalscorer, a club legend.

“What it is going to do is give the club an incredible 12 months. You think about last season, fans not being in the stadium.

“But Manchester United fans are going to be absolutely rocking for the next six to 12 months because they are going to see one of their own come back and play in their stadium.

“And he will score goals and give them brilliant moments.”