Daily Mirror

RONALDO’S BIG DERBY MOMENTS

- BY DAVID ANDERSON

CRISTIANO RONALDO will renew his 18-year rivalry with Manchester City tomorrow, 12 years after he last faced them. Ronaldo’s first derby was in December 2003 when Paul Scholes scored twice in a 3-1 win for United at Old Trafford.

In total, he has played in 13 derbies, started 11, played 970 minutes, won eight, drew two, lost three, scored four goals, and made one assist. Here are his three best United v City moments...

Manchester United 4 Manchester City 2, FA Cup 5th round,

February 2004: Ronaldo was just 19 when he scored his second Reds goal and first in the FA Cup during a fiery clash at Old Trafford.

Gary Neville was sent off for diving and then headbuttin­g Steve McManaman in the first half with United 1-0 in front.

But the Reds’ 10 men stood firm and Ronaldo sealed victory when he netted the third (above) from close range with a fine finish after Ryan Giggs’ effort had been saved.

Manchester City 0 Manchester United 1, Premier League, May

2007: Bleary-eyed United faced City just 60 hours after losing in the Champions League semi-finals to AC Milan in the San Siro, but Ronaldo showed no signs of fatigue. He shrugged off being stamped on by Michael Ball to slot home the winner from the penalty spot (above) after he was fouled by the defender. Ronaldo secured his first title with United 24 hours later when Arsenal drew with Chelsea.

Manchester United 2 Manchester City 0, Premier League, May

2009: Ronaldo scored the opener at Old Trafford from a deflected free-kick (above) to register the 118th and final goal of his first spell at Old Trafford. It was also the reigning Ballon d’Or holder’s 26th goal of a phenomenal season. He clinched his third successive title with United six days later when the Reds drew 0-0 with Arsenal before joining Real Madrid a month later for a world-record £80million.

 ?? ??
 ?? ??
 ?? ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom