Cristiano Ronaldo scores brace on second Man Utd debut

The Portuguese international was on the scoresheet twice for the Red Devils.

Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t need much time to open his accounts for Manchester United in what was a crowded afternoon at Old Trafford. As expected, Ronaldo scored not once, but twice against Newcastle on his second debut for the Reds.

The Theatre of dreams was filled to the brim with buzzing fans who travelled to see their prodigal son play for the club again, and he didn’t disappoint.

At first, it looked like it was going to be a frustrating afternoon for United, with Newcastle providing a dominant wall to the threats of the Devils. But Ronaldo wasn’t gonna let that happen.

Minutes into first half stoppage time, Ronaldo was on hand to punish a miscue from Newcastle goalkeeper, Freddie Woodman after he failed to deal with Mason Greenwood’s shot.

Parity was restored in the 56th minute when Javier Manquillo finished a fine Newcastle counter attack, which didn’t last for long though.

Ronaldo, again, raced towards the defence to meet a perfectly weighted pass from Luke Shaw. It was never in doubt that he would score again after taking a touch with his right foot.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner became the oldest player to score a brace in the Premier league since Graham Alexander did so for Burnley against Hull in April 2010.

There was time also for Ronaldo’s compatriot to also get on the score sheet.

Bruno Fernandes curled a beauty into the top left corner from long range, before Jesse Lingard sealed the game deep into injury time to make it 4-1.

That performance ensured that Ronaldo’s second debut for the club was a sumptuous one in front of an elated crowd.

‘Viva Ronaldo’ was the song on every Manchester United fan’s lips, with the king finally back to where he belongs.