Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he expected to lose Cristiano Ronaldo as long as three years ago.

"Three years ago I had a conversation with (then assistant) Carlos Queiroz," recalled Ferguson.

"We thought we would be doing well to keep him for another two, so overall, we have done well to keep him for six years.

"He is a great player. And if he gets the right training regime, as he had at United, he will develop and get even better."