Cristiano Ronaldo again came to Manchester United’s rescue as he scored an injury-time equaliser to earn a 2-2 draw against Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League. He scored twice in the game after United went pegged back in both halves.
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was elated with Ronaldo’s last-minute finish as he understands the importance of this point against a tricky opponent in the Champions League. The Portuguese sensation has now scored a winner against Atalanta twice in the same campaign.
Therefore Solskjaer compared the 36-year-old striker with one of the NBA’s all-time greatest players. However, he was not happy that Ronaldo has taken over Solskjaer’s goal tally for United.
“We kept going, we had a good attitude, we are fit, we did the same as at Old Trafford, we got a goal and we got a very important point,” the manager told BeIn Sport after the final whistle.
“[Ronaldo] is incredible, if there’s anyone you want the ball to fall to in the last minute, it’s him. He’s the best goalscorer alive, and it’s hard for me to say that because he just went past me with his two goals, now he’s got one more goal for Man Utd than me, but well done!
“That last goal there, that must be a Michael Jordan moment when he wins championships in extra time.”
The Red Devils have a packed schedule and after a stunning 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, a draw against Atalanta is still a decent result. But the recent form has meant that Solskjaer’s job is more than secure. However, they need a few positive results especially after their 5-0 humbling against Liverpool.
There is not much room for error even now as United are packed with tough fixtures ahead and a major slip up will mean the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Manchester United will next welcome arch-rivals Manchester City for the Derby this weekend. Then they will face Watford and Villareal after the international break.
The draw against Atalanta allows the Red Devils to sit atop of the group along with Villareal, two points clear of Atalanta and four ahead of Young Boys.
