While Cristiano Ronaldo may have been in Portugal, he was still the talk of the town in Manchester United’s latest match.
Cristiano Ronaldo was literally everywhere at Molineux, even though the star himself is yet to arrive in England.
The Red Devils legend is set to make a stunning return to Old Trafford before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. He reportedly completed his medical in Lisbon over the weekend. He’ll sign a two-year contract, while Manchester United will pay Juventus €15 million plus up to €8 million in bonuses.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side played their first game on Sunday against Wolves since last week’s bombshell news. United won 1-0 in a tricky encounter, thanks to Mason Greenwood’s late winner. The three points lifted the club up to third in the Premier League, but the day was about Ronaldo.
The Portuguese ace wasn’t even at Molineux, yet his presence was felt. You would’ve been forgiven for thinking he was there. United fans chanted ‘Viva Ronaldo’ everywhere, wore CR7 jerseys, and held up ‘welcome back Ronaldo’ banners in the stands.
The cardboard cutouts of Ronaldo were a nice touch.
The constant show of love and affection for one player, even if he is an all-time great, is rarely seen in any sport. September 11 – the day Cristiano could make his second United debut – couldn’t come soon enough.
Manchester Piccadilly on a Sunday night #mufc #ronaldo pic.twitter.com/OcQxPanvca
— James Robson (@jamesrobsonES) August 29, 2021
What did the squad have to say?
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: “He’s a special boy, or man now – he was a boy when I played with him. You see the fans – they’re excited. That’s what he does, he’s a special player. He is not signing to sit on the bench. He is going to make us a better team.”
Reporter🗣"What are your thoughts on the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo?"
De gea 🗣" Who!?" 🤣 pic.twitter.com/dVXCR2vCXk
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 29, 2021
David de Gea: “It’s like a dream to have him back. It will be great – it’s already great, you can feel it in the atmosphere. Hopefully, he can bring something special to make the team even better.”
Raphael Varane: “I am very happy, he’s a legend. All players can learn when you play with him, so it’s a great help for all players, all young players. And of course, he never stops scoring goals, which will help the team.”
🗣"He is already a legend in this club and he's coming back and obviously when he comes the level will go up."
Paul Pogba is excited for what Cristiano Ronaldo will bring to Man United pic.twitter.com/xG5Pz1c1L5
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 29, 2021
Paul Pogba: “He is already a legend at this club. He will bring experience and quality, the level goes up when he comes. We are pleased.”