The newspapers in England praised Cristiano Ronaldo after his memorable return in the Manchester United uniform. The attacker took both the 1-0 and 2-1 victory on Saturday afternoon in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team’s 4-1 victory over Newcastle United. “It was Ron-believable”, writes The Sun. “It took him 47 minutes, but in the stoppage time of the first half with a few seconds left, he drove the fans crazy.”
“It was one of the easiest goals Ronaldo will ever score, but the crowd at Old Trafford, some of whom had been there more than two hours in advance, didn’t care. The Hollywood purchase provided an Oscar-worthy sense of timing by scoring twice straight away. At 36, Ronaldo is more of a great goalscorer than a great goalscorer, as we knew him from his first United stint, which ended 12 years ago.”
Cristiano Ronaldo directly at the appointment! ?? ?? On the stroke of half-time he simply taps in after a blunder by Woodman ??#ZiggoSport #PremierLeague #MUNNEW pic.twitter.com/MijZcnpXYE
— Ziggo Sport Football (@ZS_Voetbal) September 11, 2021
The Manchester Evening News rewarded Ronaldo with the figure eight for his performances against the Magpies. “After a flat first half, he suddenly got the ball at his feet just before half time after a mistake by Freddie Woodman. Then, after Javier Manquillo’s 1-1, he struck again.” The Independent stressed that Ronaldo’s goals were also important. “United had problems and Ronaldo brought the solutions. Even Newcastle United’s equalizing goal served to set the story of the day as it enabled Ronaldo to act as the savior.”
Bruno Fernandes and Jesse Lingard’s goals after that were only considered supporting acts for the main performance. Sky Sports Ronaldo also gave an eight. “Expectations were high and created a special atmosphere at Old Trafford long before kick-off. It should also come as no surprise that the first opportunities came through Ronaldo. At the 1-0 he was in the right place and simply reacted the fastest. Woodman could have done better at 2-1, too, because Ronaldo didn’t seem to hit the ball very well.”
???????????? ????????’?? ????????? ? Cristiano Ronaldo fully asserts himself and immediately signs for his second of the afternoon ??#ZiggoSport #PremierLeague #MUNNEW pic.twitter.com/e4JV6P87L5
— Ziggo Sport Football (@ZS_Voetbal) September 11, 2021
The Daily Mail spoke of ‘a big Ronaldo show’. “The returned superstar did not disappoint on his ‘second debut’ for United, scoring two direct goals against Newcastle. After his first goal, the Portuguese looked to the sideline to make sure the linesman wasn’t going to raise his flag. He didn’t. Then Ronaldo started that theatrical jump, his signature celebration at a goal.”
“A jump in the air, turning around mid-flight to land his feet firmly on the turf. A party and a strict ritual in one.” According to The Daily Mirror is it clear. “Any thoughts that Ronaldo’s advanced age would lessen his impact can be immediately tucked away. The 36-year-old is still in incredible shape.”