Premier League heroes studied footage of Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick and Sir Alex Ferguson was stunn

Cristiano Ronaldo's free-kick against Portsmouth in 2008 has been watched millions of times - and not just by fans. When the Manchester United icon dispatched what has become known as 'the knuckleball', fans could not understand how anyone could do that to a football.

Cristiano Ronaldo's free-kick against Portsmouth in 2008 has been watched millions of times - and not just by fans.

When the Manchester United icon dispatched what has become known as 'the knuckleball', fans could not understand how anyone could do that to a football.

Even Ronaldo's fellow professionals were left in the dark over his physics-defying ability.

In January 2008, Harry Redknapp's men rocked up to Old Trafford without much of a chance facing the PFA Player of the Year.

And 30 yards out for the Portuguese icon was just another chance to show off why he was a deserved Ballon d'Or winner later that year.

Hitting the ball absolutely perfectly on the sweet spot, it flew past everyone at a ferocious speed - not least David James, who could only stand and watch.

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One of Ronaldo's biggest fans was his manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, who was left stunned by his effort against Portsmouth.

"No goalkeeper in the world would have stopped it," said Fergie. "It was, without doubt, the best free-kick I've seen in the Premier League.

"It was a fantastic strike, within two or three inches of the upright.

"Of the players who have taken free-kicks for us, the likes of Ryan Giggs, David Beckham - he was pretty good - and Eric Cantona, but Cristiano's strike-rate is phenomenal.

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"It's reward for all the practice he puts in on the training pitch with the other players."

For years to come, Premier League players have been trying to replicate the piece of magic - including another legend of the sport Didier Drogba.

A year later on Carlo Ancelotti's managerial debut for Chelsea, the Ivorian great bailed the Blues out once again with a double to down newly-promoted Hull, who took a shock lead.

His second goal was an admitted fluke but the first was a piece of magic, though Drogba did say he was inspired by Ronaldo.

The Ivorian said: “I guess it was a bit like the one Ronaldo scored and it was deliberate. I tried to do it like that and lined it up to hit the valve.

“Everybody is aware of this technique now after Ronaldo and it’s true that when you hit the valve the ball comes down more.

“But it is just technique - and I think his free-kick was a bit better than mine."

He is not the only Chelsea player to try copy Ronaldo, though, as Mason Mount would go on to dream about replicating his hero.

The midfielder was, incredibly, at Fratton Park that day watching his beloved Portsmouth.

Eventually making his way into the Chelsea academy, a mop-haired Mount looked into the camera and squeaked: "I try to base my free-kicks on Ronaldo. Hit the ball by the valve and it moves. That's all you do. Top corner, top bins."

And lo and behold, the youngster then planted one exactly where he said he would, before going on to become a key player for the Blues

Though soon he might really get the chance to be the new Ronaldo with United desperate for his signature, something he has given his blessing to already by agreeing to personal terms.

However, the Red Devils might already have someone in their ranks who can knock up a perfect knuckleball - Marcus Rashford.

Mount even had another front-row seat at Stamford Bridge as the forward scored an excellent free-kick that evoked memories of Ronaldo's effort.

United beat Chelsea 2-1 in London in the Carabao Cup in 2019 courtesy of Rashford's stunner, following up his penalty earlier in the contest.

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The England international might not be known for his free-kicks - in fact, he has only scored five in his career - his last in United colours being against the Blues.

Nevertheless, it would have been an effort even Ronaldo would have been proud of.

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