It was all about Ronaldo. Old Trafford was bouncing for his return from well before the match. “This is what Man United is about, this is what Cristiano is about and this was a day for everyone to enjoy,” said United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The 36-year-old forward, back in United Red for the first time since leaving in 2009, opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time, much to the joy of an expectant home crowd.
Interviewed after the match, Ronaldo showed that he was only human. “I was nervous and I was thinking last night what I wanted – to play well, to show that I’m still capable to help the team. But it’s unbelievable, I feel so proud and I’m going to give everything to make them proud of me.”
Brucie’s Magpies defended deep and resolutely, Steve Bruce showing he knows well enough how to keep United out. The breakthrough finally came in first-half stoppage time. Mason Greenwood found his first opportunity of the match to turn to his left and get a shot in from outside the area as he loves to do. Cristiano, the intelligent player he is, was prepared for any spillage by the keeper and was already on his way to goal, keeping himself onside. Newcastle goalkeeper Freddie Woodman did fail to gather the deflected shot and Ronaldo gratefully tapped in the rebound.
My Man of the Match is Luke Shaw, who after an excellent outing with the England National Team in midweek was a constant threat on the left flank. The left-back showed his imperious attacking flair with his driving forward runs. He laid four key passes and created a few good chances with excellent corner-kicks too. Gave a well measured brilliant through pass to set up Ronaldo’s second.
So, 12 years after he bade farewell to the club that made him, in order to join Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo is back with a bang. He proved he is still the match winner he always was. “It’s a very special transfer for various reasons,” said Ole before the Match. “We’re talking about someone who, personally, I regard to be the best player in the history of the game; someone who – as showed last week for Portugal – is still one of the most devastating goalscorers playing today.” Hear Hear!
Article contributed by Contributor Kenneth. Comments are appreciated on our Facebook page.