Cristiano Ronaldo has hit the ground running at Manchester United after taking part in his first training session at the club following his sensational return.
Superstar Ronaldo, who is back at Old Trafford after 12 years away, spent today at their Carrington training complex with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and then moved on to some drills alongside his new team-mates.
In the series of photos taken from Ronaldo’s first foray back on to the pitch with United, he can be seen being through his paces with some ball work, and also trying to keep himself cool with water in the scorching heat.
Cristiano Ronaldo has taken part in his first training session back with Manchester United
Ronaldo (right) joined in with several drills after returning to the club’s Carrington complex
Ronaldo was introduced to the United players currently not away on international duty, including the likes of Juan Mata, Fred and compatriot Diogo Dalot.
Dalot looked notably star struck by his colleague during the session, having glanced at him with clear admiration and a wide smile on his face.
Also on the agenda during the action-packed day was a chat with United’s coaches, although Ronaldo will already be familiar with boss Solskjaer, having played next to him, and his assistant Mike Phelan.
Diogo Dalot (second from L) appeared star struck as Ronaldo looked to hit the ground running
Ronaldo (R) was joined by the United stars not currently away on international duty this week
His dribbling skills were put to the test, too, and Ronaldo was also made to play a series of simple passes, as United try to ease him back into his surroundings ahead of his much-anticipated second debut.
That bow is expected to come against Newcastle this weekend, but he may be forced to wait for United’s Champions League group stage opener at Young Boys in Switzerland on Tuesday.
Ronaldo has joined United on a two-year deal, and arrived back in Manchester last Thursday, having been released early from Portugal’s squad after being hit with a suspension for a booking.
He scored two last-gasp goals in the 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory over the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday, becoming the highest-scoring international men’s player in history in the process, and then flew out to the UK.
Superstar Ronaldo (centre) threw himself into the drills ahead of his upcoming second debut
His return to the field with United took place in scorching temperatures in the mini-heatwave
The former Real Madrid man was required to spend five days in quarantine, however.
But after taking a Day 2 test on Saturday and the Day 5 test on Tuesday, Ronaldo was able to finish this period as part of the NHS’s test to release scheme. This allowed him to join up with United once again.
His whirlwind agenda saw him chat briefly with Solskjaer in the manager’s office at Carrington, and United made sure to regularly update their supporters with pictures and teasers to build up excitement for his first appearance.
He will stay in the UK along with his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez, as well as their children Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, 11, Alana Martina dos Santos Aveiro, three, Eva Maria Dos Santos, four, and Mateo Ronaldo, also four.
Ronaldo was also seen enjoying some simple ball work, to help him ease back into action
United’s coaches spoke with Ronaldo throughout the day at the start of his second stint there
They have moved into a jaw-dropping mansion, it has been revealed. Photographs from inside the property show that the family will be able to enjoy a swimming pool, gym and state-of-the-art cinema room.
Overall, the house has seven bedrooms, and is situated in a picturesque stretch of countryside. Also included is a fitness area, hot tub and a six-strong security patrol – all of which helped Ronaldo to relax for his time in quarantine.
Speaking to United’s in-house media channel, the veteran revealed he is delighted to have returned ‘home’, and appeared eager to get back into the thick of the action.
‘I have a fantastic history with this amazing club,’ he told United’s official website.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (right) greeted Ronaldo and spoke with him before the training session
Ronaldo (left) sported a luxury jumper and had appeared to enjoy his brief chat with Solskjaer
‘I was there at 18 years old and of course I’m so happy to be back home after 12 years. So I’m really glad and looking forward to start my first game.
‘It’s the best decision that I have made. It’s a new chapter, I’m so happy and glad, and I want to carry on again, to make history, to try to help Manchester achieve great results, to win trophies and number one of them, to win great things.
‘As I say before, I’m there in Manchester to help the team achieve results and the coach can count on me for whatever he wants. So I’m available for everything.’