Steve Bruce has challenged his Newcastle team to crash Cristiano Ronaldo’s homecoming party at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The 36-year-old is set to make his second debut for the club against the Magpies, and the world will be watching to see if the Red Devils can cause more destruction to Newcastle’s defence which has conceded eight goals in just 3 Premier League games this season.
Former United defender Bruce is hoping his players can spoil Ronaldo’s afternoon.
Bruce told reporters (via The Sun): “Listen, it’s always going to be tough and obviously the added spice of Ronaldo coming back has added to it.
“But make no mistake, they’ve got quality players all over the pitch, so whenever you got to Old Trafford, the one thing you’re going to have to do is enjoy the challenge of playing against one of the big, big teams of this country and relish the opportunity to go and see if we can spoilt the party a bit.
“That’s the big challenge to us all, of course, the ability for all of us to enjoy upsetting the apple cart and going and making it as difficult an afternoon as we possibly can for Ronaldo or Manchester United or the rest of them.
“They’ve got quality players all over the pitch and it’s one of those where you should really, really relish the challenge that’s coming and I hope we respond to it and really have a good go at it.”
Ronaldo’s return is the talk of the town and everyone is wondering whether Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wil throw him as a starter against Newcastle.
Why not?
He showed against the Republic of Ireland that he’s still hungry for goals, scoring two late on in the match as Portugal won the match 2-1.
Bruce thinks it’s an excellent signing made by United.
“You’re not going to be voted the best player in the world for… him and [Lionel] Messi have dominated that stage now for the last 15 years, is it?
“He’s been quite a remarkable player, how he’s looked after himself. The goals he’s scored at every club he’s played for is quite remarkable.
“That, quite rightly in my opinion, makes him the best player in the world. It’s a terrific signing by Manchester United.
“It’s quite an incredible story of him going back and I’m sure they could have sold out Old Trafford 10 times over if they wished. It’s been quite remarkable.”
Ronaldo is now on the hunt to win more trophies in England – after winning three Premier League titles and the Champions League during his first stint at the club.
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