Cristiano Ronaldo is now expected to report for Manchester United training earlier than anticipated after he picked up a suspension following his yellow card in the dramatic 2-1 win over the Republic of Ireland last night. That does not even begin to tell half the story on a night that highlighted just how good Ronaldo still is after re-signing for United, 12 years after his departure to Real Madrid.
Ronaldo had the chance to become the all-time leading goalscorer in international football in the first-half but his penalty was saved by young Manchester City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who is currently on loan at Shamrock Rovers.
CR7 did eventually come up trumps though just a minute from time to salvage Portugal a point, sparing their blushes from what looked set to be an embarrassing home defeat on home soil for the reigning Nations League champions.
However, Ronaldo was not done yet as he headed in an incredible 95th-minute winner to win all three points for his country.
It was a goal that emphasised exactly why, even at 36, Ronaldo is considered such a phenomenon. He is far from done yet.
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He then underwent a medical before signing his contract and being confirmed as a United player on deadline day earlier this week.
Ronaldo is yet to physically return to United HQ though and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was preparing a welcome party for his former team-mate next week.
Now it’s expected to be moved forward, giving Solskjaer more time to work with Ronaldo ahead of the match against Steve Bruce’s side.
The veteran has already spoken to his new manager in depth as he prepares to meet him face-to-face in the coming days.
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“Well, we had a chat, but of course I’m going to have time to speak with him face to face, to know what he expects,” Ronaldo said on Solskjaer.
“As you know, I played with him for two or three years at Manchester United so I have a good relationship with him but now with a different role, I’m a player and he’s a coach.
“But it doesn’t matter, my relationship with him is great and as I say before, I’m there in Manchester to help the team achieve his results and the coach can count on me for whatever he wants. So I’m available for everything.”