A perfect night for Cristiano Ronaldo saw him become the all-time international record goalscorer.
Ronaldo scored two headers against Ireland including a winner in the sixth minute of injury time.
The only disappointment for Ronaldo actually works out as positive news for Manchester United.
Ronaldo received a booking in injury-time for taking his shirt off in the celebrations.
Boost for Manchester United
This means Ronaldo does not need to travel to Azerbajian for Portugal’s second World Cup qualifier next week. This was due to take place on Tuesday.
Portugal’s weekend game is a friendly away at Qatar. Ronaldo may make the money-spinning trip, but it would also not be a surprise if he flies straight to Manchester instead, with Portugal now having to plan without him for their next qualifier.
Getting Ronaldo back early would be a huge boost. If he is excused from the Qatar trip, it is possible he could even be in Manchester as soon as tomorrow or Friday.
Manchester United’s next game is at home to Newcastle United on September 11.
Qatar or not, Ronaldo could have a whole week getting re-adjusted to life in England and settling with his teammates.
That’s great news for United and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Having set his record, Ronaldo may even have planned it this way…
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