Superstar requires no introduction
themselves. Maybe not everyone knew Cristiano’s name – but they do now!
“He said his name was Cristiano and that’s as much as I can say.
“But the atmosphere around the club has been electric.
“The supporters have really enjoyed the last 10 days or so since he signed.
“There were loads of expectations on the team and him – and he’s delivered.”
Ronaldo struck in first-half injury time to put United ahead and scored again after Javier Manquillo had fired a shock Toon equaliser early in the second period.
Bruno Fernandes and substitute Jesse Lingard then sealed the victory in the last 10 minutes. But Ronaldo was the star of the show. Solskjaer added: “Cristiano does what he does.
“He lifts everyone and gets everyone around the place so focussed.
“He puts demands on himself, which then will put demands on his team-mates and on us all.
Jitters
“He’s a different type of player to when he left but he’s still a ruthless and clinical goal scorer.
“He smells the big moments and when there are goals in there.”
He may smell the big moments but Ronaldo still gets the pre-match jitters.
The Portugal striker admitted: “When I started the game I was so nervous, I swear. I did not expect the fans would sing my name all game.
“The reception is incredible but I am here to win games and help the team.
“It was an unbelievable moment. “I was super-nervous and was thinking last night that I wanted to play well and show I was still capable of helping the team. This club is unbelievable and I am so proud. I am going to give everything to make them proud of me.
“Everyone knows the football in England is different than in any part of the world and to be honest it is the most special one.
“I arrived here at 18 and they treated me so well and that is why I am back.”