Cristiano Ronaldo hailed Manchester United's collective effort after scoring on his return to the side against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League on Thursday evening, helping them wrap up a 3-0 win.
After being axed from the squad against Chelsea at the weekend, following his refusal to step off the bench in last week's 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, Ronaldo was welcomed straight back into the starting line-up by manager Erik ten Hag. He repaid the Dutchman by scoring United's third goal with less than ten minutes of normal time left on the clock.
After seeing his initial header from Bruno Fernandes' cross saved by Sheriff goalkeeper Maksym Koval, Ronaldo ensured he gobbled up the rebound, beating Koval and two Sheriff defenders to the ball to bag his third goal of the season from close range. He had gone close on numerous occasions and you could sense an outpour of relief when he raced away to celebrate his first Old Trafford goal since May.
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Having been banished from the squad for the trip to Stamford Bridge, and forced to train on his own at Carrington last Friday, Ronaldo justified his return to the side. However, he dedicated his post-match Instagram post to the work of the whole team, instead of reflecting on his goal.
The 37-year-old said: "Great team effort and a good victory. We stand together. Let's go, United!"
Starting in the centre of the front-three, supported by Antony and full debutant Alejandro Garnacho, who caught the eye, either side of him, Ronaldo looked determined to justify his return from the off. He was a regular threat inside the 18-yard box and squandered a golden opportunity to put United ahead in the first half.
Reflecting on Ronaldo's third goal of the campaign, Ten Hag said: "Seeing Ronaldo get his goal was great. He created, the team created for him and we know he has the capability to finish.
"He needed a goal and now I'm confident there will be more goals."
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