Cristiano Ronaldo made his return to the Manchester United line-up against Sheriff Tiraspol last night.
In comparison to non-stop headlines created by a match he did not play against Chelsea, his return was somewhat low key.
Ronaldo scored once late in the game, after having another goal disallowed. He had missed earlier chances and prior to his goal, it had looked like becoming another frustrating night for him.
Manchester United’s number 7 is now up to three goals for the season, and his manager was pleased to see it.
Ten Hag verdict on Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance
Ten Hag spoke to say he was pleased by Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance, speaking to BT Sport after the game.
He expressed his satisfaction, commenting: “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.”
He added, via the club website: “He didn’t give up, I think that’s what his whole career [has been about], that’s why he is so good and, in the end, he got the reward for it. The pressure is always there. Ronaldo knows that and we have to deal with it. All Manchester United players know that. All top scorers need that, every time, the confirmation they can do it.
“Tonight, again, he got his confirmation and he will grow from it. He is hungry. He plays with desire and wants to score goals, as many as possible.”
Ronaldo looked tense all night until he scored his goal, and wasn’t exactly overjoyed when he struck the back of the net.
He had the look of a player who felt he had achieved the minimum, knowing Sheriff Tiraspol were the type of opponent he used to be able to score a hat-trick against, when he was at his peak.
Ronaldo had five attempts at goal, three of which were on target.
He played well aside from his efforts at goal, completing 37 of 39 passes attempted, and played all 90 minutes.
He is in with a shout of starting at the weekend against West Ham, possibly with Marcus Rashford in the same starting line-up.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
