Khabib Nurmagomedov says Ronaldo told him about Man U transfer one month ago

While many football fans were caught off guard by Cristiano Ronaldo re-joining Manchester United this summer, one particular person wasn't.

Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who is good friends with Ronaldo, told reporters that the Portuguese striker told him about his move to Manchester United well in advance. 

"A month ago, he told me that he was moving to Manchester United," Nurmagomedov said, according to The Daily Mirror. "I expected this deal to take place. I think that Manchester United is more suitable for him than Juventus. For me, the transition was not a surprise."

Nurmagomedov's comments contradict reports that stated Ronaldo's move to United was a last-minute decision. Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri said late last month that he didn't expect Ronaldo to leave the club before the transfer deadline.

Neil Custis of The Sun later reported an "emotional conversation" between Ronaldo and former Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson late in the process swayed the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to return to Old Trafford. 

At this point, something doesn't add up. Nurmagomedov claims to have known about the move for a month, but it also seems like Ronaldo was unsure of what was going to happen. Perhaps the football superstar was just making his desire to rejoin United known to his peers?

Regardless, Ronaldo is back in England and will soon suit up for the Red Devils in their quest to win the Premier League for the first time since the 2012-13 season.

Manchester United is 2-1-0 this season, with wins over Leeds United and the Wolves and a draw against Southampton.