Return Of A Legend

 It was a dream come true, the return of a legend after 12 years, returning to the club that developed him into becoming one of the greatest of all time. The player in question, Cristiano Ronaldo and the club, Manchester United - no big surprise there. It has created a major buzz among United fans worldwide and every one of United persuasion was waiting for 11^th September 3 pm (UK time) for his first official steps back onto the hallowed turf of Old Trafford in the red jersey of Manchester United.

Cantona 1995-Ronaldo 2021

Leading to that moment, my mind raced back in time to think if I ever remember a moment like this. The first thing that came to mind was Eric Cantona’s return against Liverpool in 1995 after serving his suspension for kicking a fan. Like that day in October 1995, Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford and scored. While Cantona’s goal that day was crucial to seal a 2-2 draw, Ronaldo opened the scoring against Newcastle and scored a second goal at a crucial time with the score at 1-1. That goal led to the open of the floodgates; United scored two well-taken goals to win 4-1.

Other New Signings & The Newcastle Goal

Cristiano Ronaldo aside, two other new signings started the match, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane. I felt Sancho played better than he did in his previous appearances and he is building to hit form. Varane had another very good game in central defence but you just feel that he has still got a few gears left in him. Alan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron caused United’s defence some trouble but the goal we conceded was nothing short of shoddy work. Harry Maguire went into a sliding tackle in the Newcastle half and got neither man nor ball which sprung Newcastle’s counter-attack. Miguel Almiron went on a run from his half played it on to Saint-Maximin who skipped past Varane to set up the equaliser for Javier Manquillo. At times, in defence, we looked stretched coming up against Almiron and Saint-Maximin despite our domination of play.

Matic

Nemanja Matic has his critics and it’s a fact that he is getting on with age but it was wonderful to see a central midfielder that can pass the ball forward accurately, can read the game to cut out any threat and keep possession well. I have always been appreciative of his qualities although there are games where he is beaten for pace.

It was a good win, some really good goals and you feel there is a carnival atmosphere at Old Trafford from the first two home games. There is still a long way to go yet so let’s take it one game at a time.