Ronaldo made a triumphant return to Old Trafford in Juventus’ Champions League clash with Manchester United as The Old Lady took a deserved 1-0 victory thanks to Paulo Dybala’s 17th-minute opener.
The Portuguese striker – who won the competition with the Red Devils in 2008 – was facing his old club in Manchester for just the second time since leaving for Real Madrid in 2009.
And the Old Trafford faithful ensured a welcoming return for their former star striker.
At full-time, Ronaldo was clapped and cheered by home supporters as he walked off the pitch.
Chants of ‘Viva Ronaldo’ echoed around the stadium as he waved to fans to thank them for their support.
Ronaldo had scored on his only visit to Old Trafford with Real Madrid in 2013, and also found the net in the reverse fixture at the Bernabeu.
However, despite his best efforts, he couldn’t find a way past David De Gea in Manchester this evening.
United’s shot-stopper was unable to hold a powerful, swerving free-kick late in the first half from which Blaise Matuidi might have profited.
He then produced a stunning save seven minutes into the second half when Ronaldo unleashed a powerful effort from the edge of the area that looked to be heading for the top corner.
But Dybala’s first-half strike was the only goal of the evening as Juventus took control of Group H.
“In the other side there was huge quality,” Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho said of his side’s performance.
“Sometimes people look for Ronaldo or Dybala but in a top team you have to look to Chiellini and Bonucci.
“I think Juventus is this type of team that when they are in front its very difficult.
“I think our attacking players, things were not coming.
“But everyone tried, everyone was strong mentally to try until the end.
“Juventus felt it and they ended the game with an extra central defender to add to the amazing [Giorgio] Chiellini and [Leonardo] Bonucci.
“It was a really difficult match for us. I thought we could take something but it was not possible.”