Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had already known that Cristiano Ronaldo would be returning home to Manchester United by the time he sat down for a sometimes chaotic media Zoom call at 13 :15 BST Friday afternoon.
Although there was widespread speculation Ronaldo would join Manchester City, United officials felt that the momentum surrounding the five-time Ballon D'Or winner was shifting away Etihad Stadium and four kilometres across Manchester to Old Trafford.
The final push came on the morning of the following day, when Sir Alex Ferguson, former manager at United, got involved.
Strong ties exist between Ferguson and Ronaldo. Ronaldo still called the Scot "The Boss" long after his departure for Real Madrid in 2009. Ferguson begged Ronaldo to come back to Old Trafford knowing that he would be a hero. It would be worse than tarnishing a reputation that has only grown bigger since Ferguson retired in 2013.
Ferguson's words were in response to encouraging messages from Ronaldo and his former team-mates Rio Ferdinand, and Patrice Evra. BBC Sport mentioned Darren Fletcher, a former teammate and United technical director, as part of an orchestrated charm offensive that also included Bruno Fernandes, Ronaldo's Portugal teammate.
Solskjaer was informed by Max Allegri, the Juventus coach, that Ronaldo would be leaving the club before he spoke to the media. In effect, the deal was done.
Solskjaer was not willing to reveal anything until it was completely watertight. Before the Telegraph man had his final chance, Solskjaer dodged three times questions about Ronaldo.
He asked why Manchester United would not try to sign one of the most important players in the world, if he was available.
Solskjaer looked into the camera, giving just enough information to those who had an inkling of what was going on - and that was for many people on Thursday - to know it would happen even though the rest did not understand its significance.
Solskjaer stated, "I didn’t think Cristiano would leave Juventus." There has been speculation.
"We have had good communication. Bruno and I have been speaking to each other for a while. He is aware of our feelings about him. He knows that we are here, even if he were to leave Juventus.
"He knows we are here" - Solskjaer, Ronaldo
At that time, Juventus was presented with a formal offer for 15m and 8m in add-ons. Three hours later, United confirmed that Ronaldo was resigned.
United steps out of the shadows
Ronaldo, along with Gareth Bale was seen as one of United's stellar targets to ease them into 2013's post-Ferguson era.
Rumours of Old Trafford's return have been floating around, mostly about contract negotiations. However, it never seemed likely that the player who spent six seasons at United, scoring 118 goals in 292 games, and winning three Premier League titles as well as the Champions League, would ever be returning to the club.
Throughout the summer, United monitored Ronaldo's club situation at Juventus. Juve are currently in serious financial trouble and still fighting Uefa about the doomed Super League project, which United along with five other English clubs quickly abandoned.
Jorge Mendes, the long-serving agent of Ronaldo, remained in contact. As rumors began to surface about Ronaldo joining Paris St-Germain, Solskjaer stated that United was still in the background. They believed it more likely that Ronaldo would finish the last year of his Turin contract.
Manchester City was the only city to raise their antenna.
According to who you talk to, City either thought of doing a deal Thursday night or claimed it had been done. Sources close to the Blues suggest that they are interested, but not sure how to make it work. They would need to sell someone, which is not easy in this summer's transfer market.
United then shifted into gear and pitched.
Why not now?
Ronaldo signed in 2003 for Manchester United and scored 118 goals.
Many elite football clubs don't have to justify their transfers, but many do.
Ronaldo's return to United is for United a chance to reconnect with its glorious semi-recent past. Ronaldo is the greatest example of United's past when Solskjaer was replaced by Jose Mourinho.
The club was littered with genius moments by the Portuguese in three seasons, 2006-07 to 2008-09.
This transfer is all about the future.
Ronaldo, who is 36 years old, remains a great player. His 29 goals helped him surpass Romelu Lukaku to become Italy's Golden Boot Winner.
Ronaldo's extraordinary fitness and professionalism can be seen as proof that he is fully deserving the two-year contract United will offer him. This will be confirmed once the transfer has been completed before Tuesday's 23.00 BST deadline.
United believe Ronaldo is a good fit for their stated goal of bringing together talented young players with world-class signings. Their squad remains one of the most youthful in the Premier League.
They also see the deal, along with the signings by Rafael Varane, Jadon Sancho, as proof United can still attract the best players. Ed Woodward, the outgoing executive vice chairman, can make the largest transfers. Star names are happy to play in Solskjaer's place, despite being mocked by cruel critics as PE teachers.
The Cavani question
United is aware of the continuing impact coronavirus continues to have on their economy, in addition to the 150 million dollars they lost due to the Covid pandemic.
After Dean Henderson, goalkeeper, was severely affected by the disease, the club already has direct experience with it in this current campaign.
It has the potential to have an impact on the club in many other ways.
United striker Edinson Cabani has questioned the Premier League's blanket decision to not allow players to represent their country, despite the fact that they will be quarantined for 10 days upon their return from England.
United has already stated that they do not want to sell Cavani.
Ronaldo's arrival gives them more flexibility in how they treat a player who represents his country.
Although it won't answer the question of Ronaldo's number, even if Cavani was willingly to give up his number seven shirt for the Premier League, the rules prohibit a mid-season swap. However, it could help to improve relations with a player who was banned from playing in England three matches ago because of a post on social media that was deemed discriminatory by The Football Association.
The homecoming is planned
Ronaldo is expected to have his medical in Portugal, before linking up with Portugal for two World Cup qualifying matches. The last one is in Azerbaijan on Tuesday 7 September.
This should theoretically make him available to play against Newcastle in his second United debut.
Ronaldo scored a hat trick in a 6-0 win against Newcastle United at Old Trafford. This was the last time Ronaldo faced Newcastle United.
The pitch is the only way to measure the success of the return of the 36-year old. But, if you look at the reaction to the end result of an amazing day, Manchester United's purchase Cristiano Ronaldo is a surefire winner.
