The name’s Ronaldo. Cristiano Ronaldo
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer heaped praise on Cristiano Ronaldo after the returning Manchester United great followed a pre-match speech with a brace on his Old Trafford homecoming against Newcastle United.
The Portuguese opened the scoring from close range in first-half stoppage-time and fired United back into the lead after the visitors had equalised.
Goals from Fernandes and Lingard wrapped up a 4-1 win.
Solskjaer revealed Ronaldo gave “a little speech to the boys” on the eve of the game, but was coy about what his former team-mate had said.
“Of course, everyone, when they come into the team, they have to introduce themselves,” the United manager said with a smile.
“Maybe not everyone knows his name. At least they do now!
“There was loads of expectations on him and he has delivered.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed Ronaldo gave “a little speech to the boys” on the eve of his second Manchester United debut – but was coy about what his former team-mate had said.
The Portuguese superstar stuck to the script with a double in the 4-1 win over Newcastle United at Old Trafford.
But not before he had introduced himself to his team-mates.
“Of course everyone, when they come into the team, they have to introduce themselves,” the United manager said with a smile.
“Maybe not everyone knows his name. At least they do now!
“There was loads of expectations obviously this afternoon on the team and on him and he’s delivered.”
Back at Old Trafford in a red shirt for the first time in 12 years, the 36-year-old was the star of the show.
Ronaldo opened the scoring from close range in first-half stoppage-time, and fired United back into the lead after Javier Manquillo had drawn Newcastle level early in the second half.
Bruno Fernandes fired home a 25-yard rocket and substitute Jesse Lingard scored a lovely goal at the death to wrap up a 4-1 win that saw their deadlineday signing make an immediate impact.
Ronaldo himself said: “I was very nervous, but maybe it didn’t show.
“The reception was incredible. I’m here to win games and to help the team.
“Football in England is different to any part of the world. I’ve played everywhere but, to be honest, England is the most special one.”
Former Celtic striker, Odsonne Edouard, also enjoyed a dream debut as Patrick Vieira celebrated his first win as Crystal Palace manager with more success over 10-man Tottenham in a 3-0 victory.
Former Arsenal midfielder Vieira had seen his side take just one point from their opening three Premier League games.
But Wilfried Zaha’s 76th-minute penalty and a debut double for new signing Edouard – his first with virtually his first touch – after he’d come off the bench six minutes from time earned a deserved three points.
Asked about Edouard’s contribution from the bench, Vieira added: “I’m really pleased for Edouard because he just arrived a couple of days ago and he’s training well with the team and starting to know his team-mates.
“But the way he finished, it just shows that he’s a proper goalscorer.”
Bernardo Silva’s 62nd-minute goal gave Manchester City a narrow win at Leicester City, and Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta, got a much-need three points at home to Norwich City, Pierre-emerick Aubameyang getting the only goal.
In the late game, Romelu Lukaku scored twice as Chelsea saw off Aston Villa 3-0, with Mateo Kovacic also on target.