<P> Born and raised on the Portuguese island of Madeira , Ronaldo was diagnosed with a racing heart at age 15 . He underwent an operation to treat his condition , and began his senior club career playing for Sporting CP , before signing with Manchester United at age 18 in 2003 . After winning his first trophy , the FA Cup , during his first season in England , he helped United win three successive Premier League titles , a UEFA Champions League title , and a FIFA Club World Cup . By age 22 , he had received Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year nominations and at age 23 , he won his first Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards . In 2009 , Ronaldo was the subject of the most expensive association football transfer when he moved from Manchester United to Real Madrid in a transfer worth € 94 million ( £ 80 million ) . </P>
when did cristiano ronaldo go to manchester united
at age 18 in 2003