Revealed: The incredible training drill that transformed Cristiano Ronaldo's career
Suraj Radia
- 8 Jul 2022 01:10 CDT
- 3 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo would not be the player he is today were it not for the training methods of former Manchester United assistant Walter Smith, according to ex-teammate Darren Fletcher.
Ronaldo arrived in England as a talented yet lightweight 18-year-old in 2003 and initially struggled with the physicality of the Premier League, often being fouled when trying to show off his skills.
The solution came via Smith, who had a short spell as assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson during Ronaldo’s debut season, as the Scotsman decided not to call fouls during training.
The decision meant Ronaldo was forced to develop his ability on the ball and learn to work with teammates, a move which Fletcher believes helped him harness his skillset more efficiently.
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What did Fletcher reveal about Ronaldo’s first training sessions at United?
Fletcher played with Ronaldo for six seasons and admitted the United players instantly recognised his talents, having been run ragged by him during a pre-season friendly against Sporting Lisbon.
"The players were part of the reason he signed in that pre-season game when he tore us apart,” Fletcher said. "We'd just arrived off an aeroplane, jet-lagged from America. That's John O'Shea's excuse!
"But you could see the talent. You could see this charismatic kid, you could see he had that drive to be the best player in the world - but he frustrated the life out of everybody.
How banning fouls in training turned 'frustrating' Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United career around.#beINPL #MUFC pic.twitter.com/1CZHwKfAjU
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"Eventually, Walter Smith came in and decided not to give fouls in training. I think the sole purpose was for Ronaldo.
"So when Ronaldo was doing his skills, not passing the ball and taking the mick, the lads were fouling him. For two weeks, Ronaldo was tearing his hair out - and he was going bananas!
"What happened after a few weeks? Ronaldo starts moving the ball because he's sick of being kicked.
"Now he starts playing one or two-touch and running, now he starts getting more goals and it's clicking in his head, he's having more of an impact on games.
“That was the beginning of Ronaldo's transition."
