“I’m not here to go on vacation. I’m here to win again. ”- Cristiano Ronaldo (36) before his comeback after 12 years and 118 days in the United jersey.
And that is what CR7 also shows: first a show, then a double pack – this is how the Portuguese started his title mission with ManUnited in the 4-1 win against Newcastle United. In stoppage time of the first half, the mega-star dusts off (45th + 2). It is his 119th goal for United (!) And the first since his return. The Newcastle equalizer comes out of nowhere (Manquillo 56th), but then Ronaldo is back on the spot. He marks the 2-1 lead with the left (62nd). Bruno Fernandes (80th) and Jesse Lingard (90th + 2) increase to 4: 1.
Ronaldo shoots warm for the title hunt. Just like in his first time in Manchester (2003 to 2009). At that time, the Portuguese won the English championship three times and the Champions League once.
Coach Ole Gunnar Solskjær (48) before the game: “He trained well. Hopefully he will show that on the field, that would give us another five or ten percent extra. “
The coach orders, Ronaldo delivers, but not live for all fans. The so-called “Blackout Rule” in England prohibits showing football live on television on a Saturday between 2:45 pm and 5:15 pm (English time).
In the stands, the United bosses, agent Jorge Mendes and his family cheered and his ex-trainer and mentor Sir Alex Ferguson (79) was of course there at the sold-out Old Trafford.
The Ronaldo Show!
As soon as the “Red Devils” bus arrived, the five-time world footballer was cheering loudly from the waiting fans. In addition to countless jerseys with the Ronaldo number seven, there were also many posters with “Welcome Home” on them. CR7 comes with a black mask and carries a white Louis Vuitton backpack (price 1790 euros). To do this, he pushes an LV case (price 2800 euros). He holds his smartphone in his hand and disappears into the stadium.
Cristiano Ronaldo on arrival at the stadiumPhoto: Martin Rickett / dpa
Before kick-off, the diversity superstar kneels, smiles, and then it starts. First ball contact after one minute, first attempt on goal after four minutes, but CR7 cannot control the ball. Later Ronaldo tries to do magic (including 9th, 11th, 39th). He is still hapless, but conducts like a boss on the pitch. And then he shows how valuable he is to United: double pack and cheering show. The fans celebrate their new, old star loudly.
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his goal to make it 2-1 for United with ex-BVB star Jadon Sancho (66th minute replaced).Photo: PHIL NOBLE / REUTERS
The return of Ronaldo not only paid off on the pitch: His jersey is already the best-selling jersey in the world (in one season). After seven days, the shirt is said to have brought in around EUR 220 million. For comparison: Lionel Messi (34), who moved to PSG from Barcelona, brought in only 121 million euros.
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