Sir Alex Ferguson says Rooney and Ronaldo were the best in Europe

The Best in Europe

Sir Alex Ferguson has declared that Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney were once the two best players in Europe during their time together at Old Trafford. After going three seasons without a league title, Manchester United bounced back to win three consecutive trophies between 2006 and 2009.

Ferguson recalled how brilliant the duo was during this golden era, which included winning the Champions League final in Moscow in 2008. He noted that the two players became the top stars on the continent before Ronaldo left for Real Madrid for a world record transfer fee.

A Deadly Partnership

The partnership did not click instantly, but by the 2006 to 2007 season, they were unstoppable. Rooney and Ronaldo scored 104 Premier League goals between them over three seasons.

Ferguson remembered one specific goal against Bolton in March 2007 that showed their perfect chemistry. The two players moved the ball from their own box to the opponent's net in under 10 seconds. Ferguson described how a young boy from Portugal and a squat lad from Liverpool combined so well, passing the ball back and forth up the pitch before Rooney chipped the goalkeeper.

During their years together, the pair helped Manchester United win three Premier League titles, one Champions League, two League Cups, and a Club World Cup. Ronaldo also claimed the Ballon d'Or, the European Golden Boot, and other top individual awards in 2008.