Portuguese superstar marks his return to Manchester United with two goals in a 4-1 trouncing of Newcastle
12 September 2021 - 17:33
byAgency Staff
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their second goal. Picture: PHIL NOBLE/REUTERS
Manchester - The celebratory atmosphere at Old Trafford, as Cristiano Ronaldo marked his return to Manchester United with two goals in a 4-1 win over Newcastle United, left manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recalling the club’s best days.
Solskjaer, who played with Ronaldo towards the end of his career, said he had no hesitation in throwing the Portuguese striker straight into his side for his first game since his move from Juventus in August.
“I’m so happy for him, so happy for the team, the supporters. You can sense the atmosphere around the club since Cristiano signed but it could so easily have been an anticlimax because expectations were so high. But he has delivered again,” said the Norwegian.
Asked about the atmosphere at the ground, where fans stayed behind long after the final whistle singing Ronaldo’s name, Solskjaer could not resist the sense of nostalgia.
“It feels like the old days, to be honest. It is special. Cristiano is a special man, a special player in the history of the club and coming here he has just shown his love for the club and the supporters love him, of course,” he said.
Solskjaer added that the 36-year-old has returned after 12 years an improved all-round product.
“He’s developed into a miles better footballer than when he was here, through the years. Sometimes he can drift up to the sides, you’re not going to use him as a battering ram. He likes to roam.
“He senses the big moments, when to arrive in the box, and I thought he played the game very, very mature. He gave one ball away. But he was very efficient with his football,” he said.
Bruno Fernandes crowned the celebration with a long-range goal to make it 3-1 and Solskjaer said he had no doubt that the pair could combine well together.
“Good players can always play together. They have a mutual respect and play for Portugal together,” he said.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
'He's developed into a miles better footballer'
Solskjaer feels good times again with Ronaldo
Portuguese superstar marks his return to Manchester United with two goals in a 4-1 trouncing of Newcastle
Manchester - The celebratory atmosphere at Old Trafford, as Cristiano Ronaldo marked his return to Manchester United with two goals in a 4-1 win over Newcastle United, left manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recalling the club’s best days.
Solskjaer, who played with Ronaldo towards the end of his career, said he had no hesitation in throwing the Portuguese striker straight into his side for his first game since his move from Juventus in August.
“I’m so happy for him, so happy for the team, the supporters. You can sense the atmosphere around the club since Cristiano signed but it could so easily have been an anticlimax because expectations were so high. But he has delivered again,” said the Norwegian.
Asked about the atmosphere at the ground, where fans stayed behind long after the final whistle singing Ronaldo’s name, Solskjaer could not resist the sense of nostalgia.
“It feels like the old days, to be honest. It is special. Cristiano is a special man, a special player in the history of the club and coming here he has just shown his love for the club and the supporters love him, of course,” he said.
Solskjaer added that the 36-year-old has returned after 12 years an improved all-round product.
“He’s developed into a miles better footballer than when he was here, through the years. Sometimes he can drift up to the sides, you’re not going to use him as a battering ram. He likes to roam.
“He senses the big moments, when to arrive in the box, and I thought he played the game very, very mature. He gave one ball away. But he was very efficient with his football,” he said.
Bruno Fernandes crowned the celebration with a long-range goal to make it 3-1 and Solskjaer said he had no doubt that the pair could combine well together.
“Good players can always play together. They have a mutual respect and play for Portugal together,” he said.
Reuters
Cristiano Ronaldo part two has Old Trafford abuzz
Benni McCarthy to use speed and flair to beat Nyasa Bullets
Man City edge out United with costliest squad
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Related Articles
MNINAWA NTLOKO: Talkative Broos gives South Africans cause to think he can take ...
Long way to go‚ but bright start for brave new Bafana era
Bafana down Ghana thanks to Hlongwane’s late strike
I am always ready, says Kaizer Chiefs defender Ngcobo
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.