September 11, (THEWILL) – Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in United’s Saturday 4-1 win over Newcastle to underline the excitement that followed his re-signing by Manchester United.
The 36-year-old was brought back to score goals and that was exactly what he did. It could have been a hattrick, but he did enough to satisfy the longing of United fans who, in their wildest imaginations, did not conceive of beholding the legend in the reds of Manchester United again.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer handed the Portuguese superstar a starting debut for the toughest welcome at Old Trafford that Newcastle has faced in recent seasons. Ronaldo may not have seen much of the ball earlier on, but the times he did were perilous for the visitors.
The Red Devils had to deal with a resurgent Magpies side that looked more threatening as time went by. They looked dangerous on the break and Joe Willock took advantage of a decent opportunity after a mistake by Bruno Fernandes.
The first half saw United limited to half-chances. Defender Harry Maguire had his header comfortably saved by Freddie Woodman in the Newcastle goal post. Another header from his new centre-back partner, Raphael Varane, flashed across goal and drifted just wide of the far post to keep the scores level.
But it was not to be a goalless half as Ronaldo was the quickest to react to a ball after the goalkeeper had parried a shot by Mason Greenwood, showing his knack for being at the right place at the right time and sending the home crowd into delirium.
It also pointed to the kind of player the Portuguese had become. No longer a flying winger with dazzlingly quick feet, Ronaldo’s adaptation of his own talents has made him an extremely dangerous poacher.
In the second half, Newcastle took advantage of some sloppy defending to level the scores. Javier Manquillo found the back of the net 10 minutes into the second period to give the visitors some confidence for the rest of the tie.
It did not last long because Ronaldo restored United’s lead six minutes later. The forward cruised into space to a through ball from Luke Shaw to nutmeg Woodman.
Ronaldo’s performance illustrated why Manchester United has become top favourites for the EPL and why the fans have started to believe they can take all-comers, including the tough-to-breach UEFA Champions League holders Chelsea and the multi-faceted English champions and city rivals Manchester City this season.
Paul Pogba continued to string passes with relative ease from the middle of the park, and one of these led to Ronaldo’s compatriot, Bruno Fernandes, making it three for the hosts.
There was still enough time for a fourth goal. Again, Paul Pogba was involved as he worked the ball over to Jesse Lingard in the box, who hit it past Woodman in the final minutes of the fixture.
It was a perfect beginning for Ronaldo and another three points for Manchester United. They now sit at the top of the table with 10 points from four matches.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
