RONALDO EASES OLE PRESSURE
CRISTIANO RONALDO scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to rescue Manchester United as they came from 1-0 down to beat Villarreal 2-1 in the Champions League and ease the pressure on manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
United were fortunate to still be in the game as Villarreal missed a catalogue of chances at Old Trafford, but after the Spaniards finally took the lead, a wonder goal from Alex Telles levelled the match and then that man Ronaldo had the final say.
The Reds went into the Group F tie under real scrutiny following Saturday’s home defeat to Aston Villa.
And a noisy home crowd initially had little to cheer, with Villarreal in charge. Arnaut Danjuma was sent clear through on goal but shot straight at David de Gea. Etienne Capoue then set up Danjuma, whose shot was palmed away by De Gea.
Paco Alcacer’s header was tipped over by De Gea, while Alberto Moreno shot over.
Then came the biggest opportunity. Raphael Varane allowed the ball to evade him but Alcacer could only blast wide. It was a sobering sight for United fans, whose side had lost their opener to Young Boys.
Eight minutes after the break, Villarreal finally scored. Danjuma crossed in and Alcacer slid home from close range. But United woke up and seven minutes later were level. Bruno Fernandes lifted a freekick to just outside the area, where Telles volleyed home brilliantly.
United substitute Edinson Cavani headed wide late on. But, with time almost up, Jesse Lingard found Ronaldo with a deft touch and the Portuguese superstar smashed home from a tight angle. Quite a night.