Cristiano Ronaldo marked his return to Manchester United by scoring a double to help inspire the Old Trafford side to victory over Newcastle United.
Ronaldo tapped home to score the first goal of his second spell in Manchester just before halftime. Javier Manquillo equalised for Newcastle 11 minutes into the second half. However, Ronaldo fired home six minutes later to send Old Trafford into raptures. Bruno Fernandes scored a fantastic third, smashing the ball into the net from 25 yards out and then Jesse Lingard added a fourth late on.
Overall, it was the perfect day for Manchester United and the perfect return to Old Trafford for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Dream Old Trafford Return for Cristiano Ronaldo
Fairytale Return for Cristiano Ronaldo
It almost seemed inevitable that Cristiano Ronaldo would score on his return to Manchester United. However, in the first half, United were being frustrated by Newcastle and struggled to break them down.
That was until stoppage time in the first half. Mason Greenwood’s shot was parried by Freddie Woodman in the Newcastle goal. The ball fell to Ronaldo who would tap home to send Old Trafford wild.
There have been critics questioning how the 36-year-old striker would handle the intensity of the Premier League. Some people suggesting he wouldn’t have the same impact that he had in his first spell. There were even some pundits suggesting his return would be a detriment to Manchester United’s side as a whole.
However, scoring two goals on his second debut for Manchester United is sure to silence those critics. His second goal, in particular, showed he still has the pace to cause defences problems. He charged clear and powerfully smashed the ball through the legs of Woodman. In just one game back at Old Trafford, Ronaldo has shown what he will bring to this Manchester United side.
Jadon Sancho Yet to Shine for Manchester United
There was great excitement from Manchester United when Jadon Sancho signed from Borussia Dortmund. The England international has the third most assists in Europe’s top five leagues over the last three years.
But in four games for Manchester United, Sancho is yet to have an assist or score a goal. Of course, it is very early in his United career and Sancho didn’t have a proper pre-season after playing for England at the Euros. Also, against Newcastle, he showed some nice link-up play with Bruno Fernandes which will be a promising sign for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Of course, Sancho needs to adapt to playing in the Premier League, but he knows he will need to get up to speed soon and find some form. Especially with the amount of attacking options that United have, if Sancho doesn’t improve his place could be under threat.
One of those who will be pushing him for a starting spot will be Jesse Lingard who came on and scored late on against Newcastle. Sancho may have cost a lot of money but if he doesn’t start bringing more to the side soon, Solskjaer won’t have any hesitation in dropping him to the bench.
Manchester United’s Best Premier League Start in 10 Years
It has been a satisfying start to the new season for Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. It is their best start to a Premier League campaign since 2011/12 season.
One of their biggest problems last season was their home form. They lost six Premier League games at Old Trafford and, in contrast, didn’t lose away from home.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be pleased that they have won both of their home games so far this season, scoring nine goals and conceding twice. The scoreline did flatter Manchester United though and Newcastle were a big threat on the break which will be a concern to Solskjaer.
The good start gives United a platform to build from, but everyone associated with the club will know there are bigger tests ahead. There are still doubts over the central midfield in comparison to Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool. United do have enough quality in attacking areas to cause any team problems and should be right in the mix for the Premier League title.
Positives to Take for Steve Bruce
Losing 4-1 away from home, the scoreline suggests that there wouldn’t be any positives to take out of Newcastle’s performance. However, the scoreline was harsh on the Magpies.
Newcastle played well for long periods and were frustrating Manchester United for much of the first half. They were also a threat on the counter-attack which led to their equaliser. They badly missed Callum Wilson upfront who was out due to injury. If he had played, he would have been another attacking threat for Manchester United’s defence to deal with.
Despite the positives, it was another defeat for Newcastle and they have picked up just one point from four Premier League games. Some of their performances have perhaps deserved more than that but that won’t mean much to the Newcastle fans.
They are a club desperate for some hope and optimism. The proposed takeover of the club continues to drag on and it will be up to the players and Steve Bruce to provide that much-needed hope and, more importantly, results.
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