As Cristiano Ronaldo prepares to return to Old Trafford in Juventus colours, United fans are bound to have fond memories of the forward…
GettyManchester United 3-0 Portsmouth – November 2003.It took him 10 games but Cristiano Ronaldo finally opened his Manchester United account against Portsmouth at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
Perhaps unsurprisingly it was one of his trademark free-kicks that saw him get off the mark, in a game he had begun on the bench.
With 15 minutes to go and United only 1-0 to the good, the Portuguese international replaced Diego Forlan, and five minutes later he had helped make the game safe by bagging his first in a red shirt.AdvertisementGettyManchester United 3-0 Millwall FA Cup Final – May 2004Still only a teenager, Ronaldo took to the field for the FA Cup final wearing a pair of gold boots and quickly set about dazzling the opposition.
Whilst United were always hot favourites to win the trophy against Championship opposition, their No. 7 ensured there were to be no upsets at the Millennium Stadium.
A thoroughly outstanding individual display saw Ronaldo head home the opening goal, just before half-time, as he went on to pick up his first major trophy as a Red Devil.GettyArsenal 2-4 Manchester United – February 2005A thrilling game at Highbury saw Portugal's finest inspire his side to victory in a game they twice had to come from behind to win.
With the Gunners leading 2-1 at half-time, Ronaldo hit two goals in five minutes after the break to send Sir Alex Ferguson’s men on their way to victory, and all but end the Arsenal’s title ambitions.
A late goal by John O’Shea gave the scoreline a more convincing hue in an ill-tempered game in north London, but it was Ronaldo’s goals that inspired the win. Getty ImagesFulham 1-2 Manchester United – February 2007Despite leading the league table for much of the season United travelled to Craven Cottage on the back of a disappointing draw to Reading in the FA Cup.
Hoping to get back on track, Fergie’s men were struggling against the Whites, who took an early lead in the game before Ryan Giggs grabbed an equaliser.
However, with time running out it looked as though the Old Trafford outfit were about to drop two valuable points.
Cue Ronaldo, who picked up the ball in his own half and sprinted down the left flank leaving defenders trailing in his wake.
Still not content, he then cut inside and drilling a deflected shot home to send the Red Devils nine points clear at the top and on their way to yet another title.