The former Red Devils defender was at Old Trafford when two club icons were snapped up and had no doubt they were destined for greatness
Manchester United landed themselves two club legends during back-to-back summers in 2003 and 2004, with the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting followed 12 months later by a record-setting deal for Wayne Rooney.
Few could have predicted at that stage that a pair of talented teenagers would make quite such a lasting impression at Old Trafford, or on the global game as a whole.
Their potential was clear for all to see - with countless entries in the history books now held between them - but which of the exciting prospects would have been backed to become a five-time Ballon d'Or winner if such predictions had been made when they joined forces?