Manchester United announced that Cristiano Ronaldo would be returning for a second spell at Manchester United, 12 years after his last stint at Old Trafford.
Signed ✍️
Sealed ✉️❤️ @Cristiano #MUFC | #RonaldoReturns pic.twitter.com/ZzcN6IEG5W
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 9, 2021
CR7 netted 118 times in 292 appearances for the Red Devils during his last spell in England, and will be looking to significantly add to that over the two years that he is contracted to the club for.
In the meantime, his signing has proved a huge success for the Manchester United brand, with “Ronaldo 7” shirt sales reaching 188 million pounds, which paid for the transfer fee alone.
Can Ronaldo, so often the hero for his club, bring success to Manchester after four long years without a trophy?
Ole confirms Ronaldo will feature against Newcastle
Ahead of the weekend, there was only one thing on everyone’s mind; will Cristiano be handed his Manchester United debut in front of the Old Trafford faithful when they host Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.
To this end, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remained coy, but did admit that he would feature in some capacity, revealing:
“He will definitely be on the pitch at some point that’s for sure”
“He will definitely be on the pitch at some point that’s for sure.”
“Ole Gunnar Solskjaer talks about Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact on the team and confirms that he will play a part in Saturday’s game against Newcastle ⚫⚪pic.twitter.com/oHZ0ABfeSh
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) September 10, 2021
Whether this is in the same capacity that fellow new boy Raphael Varane was on the pitch against Leeds United (an announcement and wave to the crowds before the game began) or something more meaningful, such as a substitute appearance, remains to be seen.
For those heading to Old Trafford, they will be hoping it is the latter.