Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists Cristiano Ronaldo was never going to join Manchester City this summer.
Ronaldo will make his emotional Manchester United return on Saturday at Old Trafford against Newcastle, 12 years after he left them to join Real Madrid.
City were in talks to sign Ronaldo, until United blindsided their local rivals by hijacking the proposed deal to re-sign the 36-year-old superstar in a stunning coup.
Asked how frightening the prospect was of Ronaldo joining City, Solskjaer said: “I don't think there was any prospect of that."
Ronaldo's return - watched by a capacity 75,000 crowd today - has increased the pressure on Solskjaer to deliver United's first league title since 2013, something he said he relishes.
“The pressure is a privilege," said Solskjaer. “At Manchester United, you want that pressure.
“As a player, coach or manager, if you want an easy life, you go mid-table somewhere.
“No, we want that pressure. We feel it, but that makes you feel alive."
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