Solskjaer salute to returning OT hero
From Back Page 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 half.
Bruno Fernandes and substitute Jesse Lingard then sealed the victory for the hosts before the Old Trafford faithful headed home to the refrain of ‘Viva Ronaldo’.
But CR7 was the star of the show.
Solskjaer added: “Cristiano does what he does.
“He lifts everyone and gets everyone around the place so focused. He puts demands on himself, which then will put demands on his team-mates and on us all.
“He’s a different type of player to when he left but he’s still a ruthless and clinical goalscorer. He smells the big moments and when there are goals in there.”
Newcastle manager Steve Bruce, the former United captain, put aside his disappointment with his team’s performance to appreciate Ronaldo’s impact.
“If there is a genuine superstar among everyone, then this kid is with what he has achieved,” said Bruce.
“We have witnessed it again today. He is something else.”
Shortly after the final whistle, Ronaldo used his Instagram account to thank the OT faithful.
“My return to Old Trafford was just a brief reminder of why this stadium is known as the Theatre of Dreams,” he wrote. “For me, it has always been a magical place where you can achieve everything you set your mind into.
“Proud to be back at Man United and playing in the Premier League once again, but above all, happy to help the team!”