It was one of the most anticipated moments in the Football world, and in the global landscape of Sports as a whole, the day that Cristiano Ronaldo would return to Old Trafford to don the Red Devils jersey once again. The global megastar was returning to a team that had already excelled with their other moves in the transfer window, and that had began the season claiming 7 out of a possible 9 points. After an international break in which Ronaldo broke the all-time International goals record, his first domestic hit out for United would come against a Newcastle United that was floundering with just one point through their opening three fixtures.
Before he cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players to play the game during his stint at Real Madrid and eventually Juventus, the legacy of Cristiano Ronaldo began to take shape during his time under Sir Alex Ferguson, who played a significant role in his initial arrival from Sporting CP. Along with the storied team success associated with the United squads in the later parts of the 2000’s decade, Ronaldo also achieved a lot individually during his time at the club, ending his first stint at the club with 118 goals, a time which also culminated in his first of 5 Ballon D’or awards for the World’s Best Player, in 2008. For his first fixture back, Ronaldo took his spot up front in his Number 7 jersey for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, as Daniel James’ departure saw Mason Greenwood, Manchester’s leading attacking weapon through the early part of the season, slip out on to the wing. Fred also made room for Nemanja Matic to start alongside Paul Pogba in the midfield. Newcastle fielded a fairly ravaged line-up, with a number of starters missing from their last time out against Southampton, with the biggest out being Callum Wilson up front for the Magpies.
As the sides took to the field, the man that was referred to pregame as a “walking work of art” was met with a rousing ovation from the Manchester faithful, reminiscent of the type of volume heard during the glory years of Sir. Alex’s tenure. The first 10 minutes of the contest very much foreshadowed the way the rest of the game would be played, with the Red Devils pressing forward early and often, rising their fullbacks into positions to be extra attacking options. In stark comparison, Newcastle seemed intent on sitting back and waiting for countering opportunities to form the basis of their attack. Every touch from the United number 7 drew suspenseful cheers from the crowd, and it was evident that United players were making concerted efforts to deliver their main man the ball. Newcastle’s young star, Allan Saint Maximin, was the lone attacking option for the Magpies early and looked threatening yet isolated on the ball against United’s world class backline.
Despite the sheer weight of ball in the attacking half, United were struggling to pierce through a stubborn Newcastle defensive unit, the frustrations only heightened by the gamesmanship of keeper Freddie Woodman, who was keen on ticking as much time off the clock as he could. United’s best early chance came from a glancing header from Raphael Varane off of a corner, which whisked across the goal just out of reach from Ronaldo. Newcastle, in their limited chances, showed that they were ready to pounce on any loose play from the United defense, as Joe Willock found himself with a decent shot on goal which was handled comfortably by David De Gea. With Newcastle at times dropping 9 of their outfield players back around the defensive box, with Saint Maximin the lone attacker down the field, the prowess of Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes’ attacking ability was controlled and limited. Looking like the match would trundle towards the half as a stalemate, Mason Greenwood found some space to unleash a shot on goal, which was mishandled by Woodman, and rolled on to the foot of who else but Cristiano Ronaldo, who tapped in United’s first in the second minute of added time. A loud “Siuuu” celebration was unleashed by both Ronaldo and the crowd to celebrate a seemingly inevitable return goal.
Not allowing the late goal to have an impact on the mental side of the game, Newcastle came out of the half with the same discipline and determination to keep out the United team, Longstaff and Almirón impressive in midfield on both sides of the ball. Soon enough, the patience would pay off for the Magpies, as some impressive lead up play was finished off by defender, Javier Manquillo, who buried a Saint Maximin tip on past the hands of De Gea, levelling it back up at 1-1 with over a third of the game to play. Similar to the Leeds game however, United didn’t wait long to restore the ledger in their favour, as a run from Luke Shaw followed by a terrific through ball to Ronaldo, saw the Portuguese legend grab his second with a left footed finish straight through Woodman’s grasp. Following Ronaldo’s second, Jadon Sancho would make way for another man making his United return this year, Jesse Lingard. Apart from an off-balance strike from Joelinton which forced De Gea into a save minutes later, United firmly regained control of the contest.
With just 10 minutes to play, an early release from De Gea saw Manchester back in dangerous attacking position, and before the Magpies could properly setup, the other Portuguese maestro, Bruno Fernandes, blasted an unsavable strike from outside the box to give United a 2 goal buffer, and reminded everybody why he has been relied on as United’s main man for the past year. Minutes later both he and Mason Greenwood made way, as Ronaldo was kept on for the full length of play by Solksjaer, the manager potentially fearing the crowd reaction if he hadn’t done so. As the game progressed into stoppage time, United mounted one more attack on the Newcastle area, as a beautiful ball from Pogba found its way to Lingard, who composed himself and slotted United’s 4th past Woodman, and gave the Frenchman his seventh assist for the season already.
As the whistle blew, another ovation spread across the Theatre of Dreams, everybody had imagined the perfect scenario for Ronaldo’s return, and the reality that the fans ended up receiving did not disappoint. The 4-1 victory lifts United momentarily to the top of the Premier League alongside Chelsea, after Tottenham slipped up against Crystal Palace, going down 3-0 at Selhurst Park. Next up for United is their opening fixture of the UEFA Champions League campaign, travelling to Switzerland to take on BSC Young Boys midweek. As for Newcastle, they slip further down the table, and will next match up with Leeds United back home at St. James’ Park.
Does Cristiano Ronaldo’s return make United the League favourites? How many goals will CR7 secure this Premier League Campaign? Let us know in the comments below!
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