Sir Alex Ferguson was so happy to see Cristiano Ronaldo before Newcastle game

Thousands of fans inside Old Trafford witnessed a wholesome moment on Sunday when a delighted Sir Alex Ferguson reunited with one of his greatest signings, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ahead of Sunday's clash between Manchester United and Newcastle, both David De Gea and Ronaldo were honoured for reaching two historic milestones.

De Gea, who has played a key role in United's season thus far, was presented with an award to mark his expected 500th appearance for the Reds – making him only the 11th player to enter the exclusive ‘500 club’. 

Ronaldo, meanwhile, received an award for his achievement in reaching 700 club goals over the course of his incredible career. And who better to present the trophy than Ferguson.

The 37-year-old lifted three Premier League titles, a Champions League, an FA Cup, two League Cups, a FIFA World Club Cup and one of his first of his five Ballon d'Ors under the management of Sir Alex.

And the Scot remains a father figure in his life. He was instrumental in his decision to return to Old Trafford and this summer, the pair held talks at Carrington when Ronaldo's future at Old Trafford was in doubt.

Clearly the pair's relationship is as strong as ever and on Sunday, they reunited ahead of the Newcastle game. Just look at Ferguson's face when he spotted his former player.

Last year, Ronaldo and Ferguson reunited for a heartwarming chat to discuss their special relationship, with one story in particular highlighting the bond they had.

At the age of 18, a fresh faced Ronaldo signed for Manchester United in a £12.75 million deal, almost immediately after starring against them for boyhood club Sporting CP in pre-season.

They shared so many memories together in the years to follow, but the one that sticks out for Ronaldo isn't football related.

In a sit down chat with Ferguson, he revealed that his former manager allowed him to leave Manchester during the season so he could see his sick father.

Ronaldo said: "Probably he doesn't remember, but I will say it because it's a beautiful story.

"One day, my father was in hospital, and I was so emotional, very low. And I spoke with him and he said: ‘Cristiano, go there for two or three days.’ We had difficult games and I was a key player in that moment. 

“He said: ‘It will be tough because we have difficult games, but I understand your situation and I’ll leave you [out] and you can go and see your father.’ For me, these are the most important things – apart from winning Champions Leagues, to win the Premier League, to win cups and stuff. So I have to appreciate him, because what he said to me, he always did. I have to appreciate that.”

Ronaldo's father, Jose Dinis Aveiro, tragically passed away at the age of 52 in 2005 due to liver failure after a long battle with alcoholism.