In order to complete a convincing Europa League victory over Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 701st goal in his career as a signal of his return to Manchester United.
Ronaldo was given a starting role by manager Erik ten Hag, but it appeared that he was doomed to fail to score after being dropped for last weekend’s trip to Chelsea as a result of his refusal to enter as a substitute against Tottenham eight days earlier.
A Bruno Fernandes cross, though, was intercepted by the legendary Portuguese player with nine seconds remaining.
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The ball slipped loose after Sheriff goalkeeper Maxym Koval made a low save, and Ronaldo pounced to give United their biggest victory of the year and extend their unbeaten streak to seven games across all competitions.
For the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, it was a successful conclusion to a trying week.
The Premier League team must avenge its loss on matchday one in order to top the group and avoid a play-off that could pit them against European powerhouses Barcelona, Juventus, or Atletico Madrid.
For United, it set up a Europa League group-deciding match with Real Sociedad in Spain next week.
A minute before halftime, Diogo Dalot headed in Christian Eriksen’s corner from close range to give the home team the lead.
Midway through the second quarter, Luke Shaw’s left wing cross was headed in by substitute Marcus Rashford.
Knowing that when supporters shout Ronaldo’s signature “Siuu” celebration, it sounds a lot like booing makes it difficult to gauge any unfavorable response.
When the Portuguese team’s identity was announced shortly before kickoff, there was undoubtedly some unfavorable cheering, and the most that could be stated about the reception was that it was mixed.
In actuality, Ronaldo has had trouble having an influence this year at the age of 37.
He received a header within the six-yard box from Bruno Fernandes, giving him the finest chance of the first half.
The bottom corner would have been where the stabbed finish should have landed. This time, Maxym Koval, the goalkeeper, received it directly.
At the beginning of the second half, as Ronaldo took the customary move to his left to create space for a shot from the edge of the area, there was an audible gasp of anticipation.
The entire stadium awaited the bulge of the net. Ronaldo was utterly shocked when the shot missed in the wide area. Soon after, he did score with a volley that was rightfully disallowed for offside. A cheery “Viva Ronaldo” cry quickly spread throughout the area.
It marked a turning point from the stadium. Ronaldo’s goal brought jubilation, even though the game was won. And the noise that came from the tunnel area as he made his way to the dressing rooms at the final whistle was very much a positive one.