The build-up to Manchester United’s second home game of the season was dominated by a certain Portuguese forward and an hour before kick-off, it was confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo was in the starting eleven to face Newcastle.
Although supporters have speculated over Ronaldo’s inclusion, Solskjaer seemed to have little doubts over throwing him into the firing line in his first outing since joining from Juventus last month.
Ronaldo led the line and completed a trio of summer signings to be picked by Solskjaer, with Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane also starting and thus making their full home debuts.
The encounter was Ronaldo’s second debut for the club and no one’s surprise, the mercurial goalscorer found himself on the scoresheet once again as he made the difference in the first half.
He's only gone and done it. Goal for Ronaldo on his return. Simple tap-in
— Andy Hampson (@andyhampson) September 11, 2021
Had to happen.
Cristiano Ronaldo scores on debut. Following up Mason Greenwood's shot.
From all of three yards out.#MUFC
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) September 11, 2021
Ronaldo!
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) September 11, 2021
Ronaldo tap-in for first United goal in 12 years pic.twitter.com/iPJ5WCfwSt
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) September 11, 2021
Greenwood shot from outside the area spilled by Woodman. Ronaldo taps in the rebound. Huge “siuuu” from Old Trafford crowd as he hits the ground doing his trademark celebration. Taken 47 mins to open his account. 1-0 #mufc at half time. #nufc
— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) September 11, 2021
What a way to finish the first half. #MUFC
— Naveen Ullal (@UllalIBT) September 11, 2021
Read more: (Video) Sir Alex Ferguson arrives to watch Cristiano Ronaldo’s second Man Utd debut
As you would expect, social media was sent into a frenzy when Ronaldo tapped in Mason Greenwood’s rebound to give United the lead just before half-time.
Ronaldo’s homecoming has been well-documented by journalists across the world but some of them, in attendance at Old Trafford today, had the privilege to witness it first-hand.
