Baku, October 28, AZERTAC
Cristiano Ronaldo marked his return to the Manchester United squad with a goal, scoring their third in Thursday night's 3-0 Europa League win over Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford, according to Manchester Evening News.
The Portuguese international, who was thrown straight back into the starting line-up by manager Erik ten Hag after being left out of his plans at the weekend for the draw with Chelsea, netted his third goal of the season from close range, smashing in his own rebounded effort. He saw his initial header saved by goalkeeper Maksym Koval, but got to the loose ball first, before the latter had even had chance to get fully back to his feet.
You could immediately sense that the goal had lifted a huge weight off of his shoulders. He had gone close on numerous occasions throughout the evening and it looked like being one of those nights where nothing would go his way.
However, he kept persevering and got his just rewards to score his first Old Trafford goal of the season, increasing the Reds' lead, following earlier goals from Diogo Dalot and Marcus Rashford. He celebrated by replicating the celebration he produced in the 2-1 win over Everton at Goodison Park earlier this month, as opposed to producing his trademark 'Siiiuuu' celebration.
Much of the credit, though, belonged to Bruno Fernandes. It was his excellent delivery from the right that picked out the fellow countryman, who was alert enough to knock the ball home at the second time of asking.