Chronicle Editor
CRISTIANO RONALDO WILL make his second Manchester United debut on today.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed today that the 36-year-old will play some part in the Premier League clash against Newcastle.
Speaking to the media ahead of the clash, Solskjaer said: “He’s had a good week with us here.
“He’ll definitely be on the pitch at some point, that’s for sure.”
Solskjaer would not be drawn as to whether the Portugal star would start the game at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo is ready to feature having had a pre-season with Juventus and also having played the full game for Portugal in a World Cup qualifier against Ireland last week.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been training at United since Tuesday.
Solskjaer said he expects Ronaldo to play at the top level until he is 40 years old, like another United great in Ryan Giggs.
In this summer’s most sensational of transfers, Ronaldo made an emotional return to Old Trafford, signing a two year deal with the option of a third.
United managed to get the prolific striker for just £12m.
Solskjaer has promised Manchester United fans an even better Ronaldo than they had before.
The gaffer says he still has the same speed but has become a better all round player and one of the best finishers ever.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have unveiled the first photos of Cristiano Ronaldo back in the club’s famous red shirt.
However, United have still not revealed the shirt number that Ronaldo will be wearing.
The Portuguese winger has traded Juventus for the Red Devils after more than a decade away from Old Trafford.
On Tuesday night, the club posted the first images of the player in his new kit.
The images carefully avoided the back of the shirt while the club waits for the Premier League to green light his return to the No7 jersey.
Edinson Cavani holds the number and league bosses are mulling over whether to allow an unprecedented swap, after the season has started.
Ronaldo, 36, informed Juventus of his desire to leave last week and a quickfire move to United was arranged, amid links with Manchester City.
A medical was completed in Lisbon before he agreed personal terms on a £19,7million transfer.
And the deal was officially announced on deadline day to round off a big summer of spending for the Red Devils.
Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane have also arrived to bolster Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s title hopes, along with back-up goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
Ronaldo said: “Everyone who knows me, knows about my never ending love for Manchester United.
“The years I spent in this club were absolutely amazing and the path we’ve made together is written in gold letters in the history of this great and amazing institution.
“I can’t even start to explain my feelings right now, as I see my return to Old Trafford announced worldwide.
“It’s like a dream come true, after all the times that I went back to play against Man United, and even as an opponent, to have always felt such love and respect from the supporters in the stands.”
Ronaldo is on international duty with Portugal before a potential second debut against Newcastle on September 11.
Fellow new arrival and former Real Madrid team-mate Varane added: “He’s a legend and all players can learn when you play with him.
“It’s a great help for all players, for all young players, and of course he never stops scoring goals, so he will help the team.” — The Sun
Online Reporter