Cristiano Ronaldo marked his return to the Manchester United squad with a goal, scoring their third in Thursday night's 3-0 Europa League win over Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese international, who was thrown straight back into the starting line-up by manager Erik ten Hag after being left out of his plans at the weekend for the draw with Chelsea, netted his third goal of the season from close range, smashing in his own rebounded effort. He saw his initial header saved by goalkeeper Maksym Koval, but got to the loose ball first, before the latter had even had chance to get fully back to his feet.
You could immediately sense that the goal had lifted a huge weight off of his shoulders. He had gone close on numerous occasions throughout the evening and it looked like being one of those nights where nothing would go his way.
However, he kept persevering and got his just rewards to score his first Old Trafford goal of the season, increasing the Reds' lead, following earlier goals from Diogo Dalot and Marcus Rashford. He celebrated by replicating the celebration he produced in the 2-1 win over Everton at Goodison Park earlier this month, as opposed to producing his trademark 'Siiiuuu' celebration.
Much of the credit, though, belonged to Bruno Fernandes. It was his excellent delivery from the right that picked out the fellow countryman, who was alert enough to knock the ball home at the second time of asking.
Below, MEN Sport has taken a close look at how United's fans reacted to Ronaldo marking his return to the fold with a goal:
King_Martins_Lover
93
Peace of mind
ola_wealth
70
New celebration: Approved ✅
eggosa91
58
çristîâño imapct 😏 Goated for a reason 👌
Chilala69
51
I feel like flying every single time Ronaldo scores ...
crmusm
33
This Celebration OP ❤️💪🔥
AnwarJemil
21
king played Tuesday...and winn eavry thing from MOTM to goal of the week...
AnwarJemil
18
king of king is there with goal or without goal...i didn't even included last night 9.9 ucl MOTM game on this list...
AnwarJemil
17
some one scored from outside of the box goal of the week and others scored loose ball...
markrodney
12
even if it was a friendly no footballer of such a stature would want to come on. Cristiano Ronaldo is getting the piss, do you think PSG would do this to Messi even though he scored just 11 goals last season? NO he would be played until he found form, which was the case with Messi. head people talking about how Cristiano Ronaldo was absent throughout pre-season. Please put yourself in his shoes even if he wanted to leave, if I was the coach given his professionality when it comes to fitness, I would excuse him to be with his girlfriend,who everybody seems to forget in the moment remember they lost a child who leaves another incomplete (remember they were twin) yes I would give him some time to build, remember they he can be going through hell and trying to live it up publicly but a shell when indoors. I will never condone unruly behaviour so his actions were wrong but seriously just role play the scenario be Cristiano Ronaldo for a thought and see if you wouldn't consider or maybe do just the same. Football Fi Life Liverpool YNWA Love, Good and Kindness, Peace, Joy and Happiness to everyone