Tributes from all over the football world have been flying in after Cristiano Ronaldo’s glorious return to Manchester United.
There was no way Cristiano Ronaldo would not let his homecoming pass without a goal, and he duly delivered.
Ronaldo repaid all the support that has come his way in the best way possible by scoring his 200th career brace to lead Manchester United to a 4-1 win over Newcastle in a Premier League match.
United may have won a crucial three points, but the day belonged to the Portuguese. Even before kick-off, the match felt more like a testimonial above all else. Fans were clad in CR7 gear, Ronaldo merchandise was everywhere, No.7 jerseys were in constant demand, and fans cheered their hero non-stop from the moment he arrived at Old Trafford.
Newcastle did their best to spoil the party, but this was Ronaldo’s day and nothing was going to change that.
So as the tributes continue to come in, here are some of the best ones so far.
Patrice Evra
Steve Bruce (Newcastle manager)
“If there is a genuine superstar among everyone, then this kid is with what he has achieved. We have witnessed it again today. He is something else.”
Jesse Lingard
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
“He said his name was Cristiano, that’s as much as I can say,
“Of course everyone, when they come into team, has to introduce themselves. Maybe not everyone knew his name but they do now.
“The atmosphere around the club has been electric. The supporters have really enjoyed the last 10 days or so since he signed. There were loads of expectations on the team and him and he’s delivered.
“He does what he does. He lifts everyone and gets everyone around the place so focused. He puts demands on himself which then will put demands on his teammates and on us. That’s why he has done so much in his career and been so disciplined.”
Raphael Varane
Paul Merson
“His [Ronaldo’s] movement was phenomenal, absolutely phenomenal. First half he made runs, didn’t really get the ball, then the goal was a mistake by the goalkeeper, but there’s only one person following up.
“There are not four players there and they’re all fighting to tap it in. He’s the one who goes ‘You know what he’s going to spill this’ and he taps it in.”
“His second goal. Shaw gets the ball, and he knows there’s an opportunity and he sprints.
“And he didn’t sprint too many times today, you can watch him, he didn’t but he sprinted at the right times.
“It’s a great ball by Shaw, but it’s a great touch the way he takes it away from [Isaac] Hayden, and he hits it with his left foot.
“His movement. His awareness in seeing it. That’s what he’s there for”
Harry Maguire
Lucas Vazquez, Douglas Costa and Marcelo
Paul Pogba
Alan Shearer
“He was never going to disappoint. We all expected him to do well, to score his goal or his goals and the performance that he put in was just phenomenal,” he told Match of the Day.
“For 36 years of age, his energy, his attitude, is an example to any young kid watching. Just watch him week in, week out. Whether it’s his movement, his touch, his control, everything about him is first class.
“He was never going to disappoint. We all expected him to do well, to score his goal or his goals and the performance that he put in was just phenomenal,” he told Match of the Day.
“For 36 years of age, his energy, his attitude, is an example to any young kid watching. Just watch him week in, week out. Whether it’s his movement, his touch, his control, everything about him is first class.”
Bruno Fernandes
Portuguese connection @Cristiano 🇵🇹💫 pic.twitter.com/XceMfB2QNQ
— Bruno Fernandes (@B_Fernandes8) September 11, 2021
Marcus Rashford
🤩🤩🤩🤩 @Cristiano
— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) September 11, 2021
Like he never left 🤩👏🏾 @Cristiano
— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) September 11, 2021
Piers Morgan
Ronaldo has now scored more goals in the Premier League this season than the entire Arsenal team. pic.twitter.com/5Xjd0lwxMT
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 11, 2021
Luke Shaw
Bryan Robson
“What Cristiano showed on Saturday is exactly what he can change for this team.
“Manchester United didn’t give a particularly startling performance but this guy will make a difference. He senses opportunities, he is clinical, he is a level above.
“He has the charisma to captivate the crowd and lift them. The level of encouragement being received on Saturday was that normally afforded for opposition such as Liverpool, Manchester City or Chelsea.
“Ronaldo has the charisma to captivate the fans and lift them even when the team is struggling.” [Daily Mail]
Nemanja Matic
Michael Owen
He is just a machine. Staggering. #Ronaldo
— michael owen (@themichaelowen) September 11, 2021
Antonio Valencia
Gary Neville
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