CR7 BACK WITH A BANG
Cristianio Ronaldo returned back to the Premier League this weekend to a hero’s welcome at Old Trafford. The United faithful were treated to a masterclass from one of the all time legends of the beautiful game. Ronaldo left Manchester United way back in 2009 for the glitz and glamour of Real Madrid. His accomplishments since leaving United include, 4 champions league titles, 2 La Liga titles, 2 Serie A titles with Juventus and lets not forget the UEFA European Championship conquest with Portugal in 2016.
His individual accolades are just as impressive, notably the Ballon d’or awards received on multiple occasions. Is it a wonder why United supporters and fans alike believe they are in contention for a championship title since 2013? Allegedly, there are rumours that the player who almost signed for neighbours Manchester City received a telephone call from ex United supremo Sir Alex Ferguson on deadline day and he managed to persuade the Portugal international to realign himself with the Red Devils.
You have to respect Ronaldo for turning down the Man City opportunity in favour of returning to his roots at United. Nevertheless, a player at the age of 36 who has managed to defy the odds and physically still achieving at the highest level will be a welcomed addition to Solskjaer and Manchester United’s title ambitions. Put it into perspective, he finished top scorer in Serie A last season with 29 goals. That’s the same league as Romelu Lukaku (now at Chelsea). The dual for the golden boot will certainly be very spicy this season, with Ronaldo, Salah, Kane, Lukaku and even Antonio might have a go (I know you West Ham fans would love to see it!! But be realistic hahaha!).
Ronaldo has dominated both the front and back pages for weeks after his imminent departure from Juventus was revealed. He has since put pen to paper and has opened his account for the season as United were victorious in their home game against Newcastle United. The game ended 4-1 to Man United as Ronaldo bagged a brace, Portugal team mate Fernandes reminded Man United of his quality with a fantastic long range effort in the 80th minute of play whilst Lingard grabbed the 4th in added time to give Solskjaer plenty to think about. Man United currently sit at the top of the league but the question remains, will they be able to sustain a serious challenge to Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool? One thing is for sure, with Ronaldo in your starting eleven anything is possible.
Meanwhile, Spurs were given a rude awakening by Crystal Palace having lost 3-0 to the South London outfit. Palace deserved to win and looked very much in control of the game. Tottenham may argue that the sending off of Tanganga cost them the game, however, you cannot take anything away from the home side. The victory marks Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira’s first win this season and he’ll be hoping for more of the same. New signing, striker, Edouard also impressed as he scored 2 goals in 10 minutes having come into play as a substitute.
Across London, Chelsea continued their dominance with a comfortable 3-0 nil victory over Aston Villa as Lukaku scored 2 goals in the game, however, Kovacic deserves some praise for his man of the match display in the game. Also, Arsenal registered their first win and goal of the season as they defeated Norwich 1-0 thanks to Aubameyang goal in the 66th minute of the match (brings some great relief to Arsenal supporters I’m quite sure).
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