Cristiano Ronaldo insists he's not at Manchester United for a holiday on visit to Old Trafford pitch

Cristiano Ronaldo tells rivals he’s not at Manchester United for a holiday as he graces Old Trafford pitch for first time since shock return… and warns he’ll be ‘a huge thing in the next three or four years’

  • Newcastle are set to face Cristiano Ronaldo for his first game back in England
  • Manchester United host the Magpies on Sunday in the Premier League   
  • Ronaldo paid Old Trafford a visit with the days counting down to his first game
  • The forward believes he’s ready and is aiming to silverware in his first season  


Two days before being let loose on the Premier League again, Cristiano Ronaldo visited the Old Trafford pitch to deliver a simple message: ‘I’m ready.’   

The Newcastle United defence is set to be the first charged with containing Ronaldo since his shock return to England, 12 years after leaving for Real Madrid.   

Manchester United’s home ground was the stage that transformed Ronaldo from greasy-haired teenager to world superstar, and it will welcome him back on Sunday afternoon with a rush of memories. 

Cristiano Ronaldo has paid Old Trafford a visit before his second debut for the club on Sunday

Cristiano Ronaldo has paid Old Trafford a visit before his second debut for the club on Sunday

The Portugal international took-in the iconic stadium in his new No 7 United shirt on Thursday

The Portugal international took-in the iconic stadium in his new No 7 United shirt on Thursday 

The 36-year-old has already paid his footballing spiritual home a visit, donning United’s No 7 to stroll down the tunnel for an interview with old Red Devils team-mate Wes Brown.   

The former defender asked the Ronaldo whether proving himself once more was the motivation to come back. 

‘This is why I am here,’ the icon said on MUTV. 

‘I am capable, me and my team-mates. I am ready to go, I am ready to go. It is a good chance for me, for the supporters, for the club, to get one step ahead.

‘I am ready and I think I will be a huge thing in the next three or four years.’    

Ronaldo looked around the 76,000-seater in wonder as he emerged onto the pitch, before spreading his arms wide as he soaked-up the ground he’ll have rocking by kick-off on Sunday.  

United posted a video of the moment on Twitter, simply writing: ‘He’s home.’ 

Ronaldo has been back in training at Carrington as he prepares to face Newcastle United

Ronaldo has been back in training at Carrington as he prepares to face Newcastle United 

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been in training working alongside Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ahead of his second debut, arriving to Carrington on Wednesday for his second session in his £170,000 Lamborghini.  

Following Daniel James’ departure for Leeds, Solskjaer may only have to make one change for Sunday’s match. 

Ronaldo IS expected to play up-front while Mason Greenwood will be moved to the flank, with Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho likely to join the attack. 

Ronaldo will be itching to add his 119th United goal in his first match, setting his sights on a fourth Premier League title in May. 

Newcastle will be quaking at the prospect of facing the Portuguese phenom as, despite being in the latter years of his career, fired 36 goals last season.   

Ronaldo has been driving to Carrington in his Lamborghini from a nearby Cheshire mansion

Ronaldo has been driving to Carrington in his Lamborghini from a nearby Cheshire mansion 

The Magpies did manage to keep CR7 out the last time they faced-off in the English top-flight, but still lost 2-1 in a March 2009 clash thanks to Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov strikes.    

Rooney, who struck-up a ruthless partnership with the forward back in his first United stint, has revealed his thoughts on the shock transfer. 

‘His mentality will rub off on the younger players, especially, so I think it’s a great signing,’ he said. 

‘I think United are finally ready to go and challenge for the title, and I really feel they have to, this year 

‘Cristiano’s going to be a very big player, I think he’s going to have big moments in the season and I’m sure he’ll score a lot of goals.’ 

source: dailymail.co.uk