‘He was embarrassed’: Cristiano Ronaldo once opened up on first chat with Man United-linked Geovany Quenda

Manchester United’s pursuit of young talents has once again led them to Portugal, with reports linking the club to 17-year-old Sporting CP sensation Geovany Quenda. The highly rated youngster has been making waves in the Primeira Liga, catching the attention of scouts across Europe. However, what makes this potential transfer even more intriguing is Quenda’s connection with a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.

The teenager, who primarily plays as a right wing-back, has rapidly risen through the ranks under Ruben Amorim at Sporting CP. His performances have been so impressive that he earned his first senior Portugal national team call-up last September. It was during this international break that Quenda had an encounter with Ronaldo—an experience that left the youngster in awe.

Cristiano Ronaldo, a legend of both Manchester United and Sporting CP, spoke about his first interaction with Quenda. Given his stature in the game, Ronaldo admitted that younger players often feel intimidated around him. However, he takes it upon himself to be a mentor and an approachable figure within the squad.

“Many of them are embarrassed to talk to me,” Ronaldo revealed in an interview. “A little while ago, I was going up to my room and I saw the new boy, 17 years old, Quenda. I went to him and said: ‘So, have you recovered from the game?’ I saw that he was embarrassed.”

The Al-Nassr forward went on to explain that he sees himself as an older brother to the younger players in the Portugal setup. “I don’t say I’m a father, but an older brother. It could be a father to some and, as I said before, I’ve been through the same thing as them, and the national team is a family.”

This meeting could be a defining moment for Quenda, who, like Ronaldo, has the potential to make a move from Sporting CP to Manchester United. The Red Devils have a rich history of recruiting from the Portuguese club, with Ronaldo, Nani, and Bruno Fernandes among the notable names to have made the switch.

Reports suggest that United are seriously considering a move for Quenda in the summer transfer window. Given the club’s need for reinforcements in wide positions, particularly with an aging squad and uncertain futures for some current players, Quenda could be a valuable long-term investment.

His ability to play as a wing-back makes him an attractive option for Erik ten Hag, who has experimented with different tactical setups this season. While Diogo Dalot has cemented himself as a key player, United still lack depth in that area, and Quenda could provide fresh competition.

What makes this potential move even more appealing is Quenda’s experience playing under Ruben Amorim. The Sporting CP boss is also being linked with Manchester United as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag should the Dutchman fail to deliver results this season. If Amorim were to take over at Old Trafford, he might look to bring Quenda with him, ensuring a smooth transition for the young talent.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s words could also play a role in influencing Quenda’s decision. Having grown up idolizing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, the young defender might see Manchester United as the perfect stepping stone to greatness. The presence of Portuguese-speaking players such as Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot could further help him settle in.

Sporting CP, however, are not keen on letting their young star leave cheaply. The club has a history of selling players for hefty fees, and Quenda’s rising profile could see his valuation skyrocket in the coming months. United will need to move quickly if they want to avoid a bidding war with other European giants.

For now, Quenda remains focused on his development at Sporting, but with the summer window approaching, speculation will only intensify. Whether he follows in Ronaldo’s footsteps to Old Trafford remains to be seen, but the admiration from one of football’s greatest players is certainly a promising sign.

As for Ronaldo, his influence continues to extend beyond the pitch. Even at 39, he remains an iconic figure for young players, offering guidance and inspiration. If Quenda does end up making the move to United, he will have a familiar face to thank for giving him the confidence to embrace the big stage.

The summer transfer window could be decisive for Manchester United, with the club looking to build for the future. Whether Quenda is part of that vision remains uncertain, but the link between him and Ronaldo only adds fuel to the speculation.

For United fans, the prospect of landing another exciting Portuguese talent brings a sense of nostalgia. Could Quenda be the next star to emerge from Sporting CP and follow Ronaldo’s path? Only time will tell.