Cristiano Ronaldo marked his return to Manchester United with a brace as the hosts defeated Newcastle United 4-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday. The Portuguese superstar, who rejoined the club from Juventus last month, scored in each half to delight the home fans and help his team maintain their unbeaten start to the Premier League season.
Ronaldo’s dream comeback
Ronaldo, who last played for Manchester United in 2009, received a hero’s welcome from the crowd as he walked out of the tunnel wearing the iconic number 7 shirt. He did not take long to repay their faith, as he opened the scoring in the 45th minute with a simple tap-in after Newcastle goalkeeper Freddie Woodman spilled a shot from Mason Greenwood.
Ronaldo doubled his tally in the 62nd minute, when he latched onto a through ball from Luke Shaw and fired a low shot past Woodman at the near post. It was his 120th goal for Manchester United in all competitions, and his first Premier League goal since May 2009.
Newcastle’s brief hope
Newcastle, who are still looking for their first win of the season, did not give up easily and managed to equalize in the 56th minute through Javier Manquillo. The Spanish right-back finished a swift counter-attack with a cool finish past David de Gea, silencing the home crowd for a few moments.
However, Newcastle’s joy was short-lived, as Ronaldo restored Manchester United’s lead six minutes later. The visitors could not cope with the hosts’ attacking threat, and conceded two more goals in the final stages of the game.
Fernandes and Lingard seal the win
Manchester United’s third goal was a stunner from Bruno Fernandes, who unleashed a 25-yard rocket into the top corner in the 80th minute. The Portuguese midfielder, who has formed a strong partnership with Ronaldo in the national team, celebrated with his compatriot and dedicated the goal to him.
The fourth goal came in the 90th minute, when substitute Jesse Lingard scored with a curling shot from the edge of the box. The England international, who spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham, marked his return to Old Trafford with a fine goal and a jubilant celebration.
Manchester United go top of the table
The win lifted Manchester United to the top of the table with 10 points from four games, level with Chelsea and Liverpool but ahead on goal difference. The Red Devils have scored 11 goals and conceded only three so far, showing their title credentials under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Newcastle, on the other hand, remain in the bottom three with one point from four games, having scored only four goals and conceded 12. The Magpies face a tough task to avoid relegation under manager Steve Bruce, who has faced criticism from the fans for his defensive style of play.
