The mutual respect between Cristiano Ronaldo and Sir Alex Ferguson was obvious yesterday when the former United manager presented the Real Madrid superstar with his man-of-the-match award after the Champions League final on Saturday.

Real beat Juventus 4-1 to win the Champions League at the National Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, making them the first side to retain the competition in modern era and Ronaldo was the star of the show as he scored a brace to help his side to the win.

His performance earned him the man-of-the-match award.The award was presented to him by Sir Alex Ferguson, who first brought the Portuguese to limelight when he singed him to Manchester United in 2003.

The 32-year-old spent six seasons under Ferguson at Manchester United and built up a special connection with the former Red Devils boss.

Ferguson waited for Ronaldo just inside the players' tunnel where the pair shared a hug.

The Old Trafford legend then presented the Real striker with the man of the match award.He also met Cristiano Ronaldo's young son, Cristiano junior.