Manchester United played out a thrilling 3-2 win over Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League. It was a Cristiano Ronaldo header that won the Reds Devils a very tight game. After the match United boss, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did not leave out the chance to take digs at the critics who questioned Ronaldo’s credibility.
After trailing by two goals in the first half, Manchester United came back in the second half when Marcus Rashford pulled one back within the first 10 minutes of the second half. In the 75th minute, Harry Maguire joined him to restore parity. But it was the 81st-minute header from Ronaldo which stole the show. A corner from Burno Fernandes was well defended by Atalanta but the ball fell straight into Luke Shaw’s path. The England international came up with an inch-perfect cross from which Ronaldo headed home past Juan Musso in goal.
So it was the perfect opportunity for Solskjaer to remind Ronaldo’s critics that the legendary Portuguese forward is still very much in sync and can score match-winning goals. Ronaldo was recently criticised for his low defensive work rate as United were going through a very rough patch.
Speaking about the goalscorers from this crucial win, Solskjaer pointed out how important all three of them are for this MJanchester United team. “He had chances in the first half but Marcus kept on going,” Solskajer told BT Sport. “He got a knock but he is going to be very important for us. It was an instinctive finish from Harry. I don’t think you would have expected him to score that one.
“And Cristiano is great in front of goal. If anyone wants to criticise him for effort and work rate just watch this game. Watch how he runs around.”
Ronaldo rejoined Manchester United this summer after a huge fiasco which almost saw him join their arch-rivals, Manchester City. However, he returned to Old Trafford after nine long years and has been in pretty good nick in front of goal.
The 36-year-old has scored six times for the Red Devils in eight matches since making the move. He has been crucial to their current Champions League campaign aswell scoring three goals till now which has helped the Red Devils stay at the top of their group after three matches.
