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#3 Vs Millwall, 2004 FA Cup Final
19 years of age and still in his first season as a Manchester United player, Ronaldo was already starting in a final for the Red Devils.
The FA Cup Final in 2004 was expected to be a walk in the park for Manchester United, with Millwall being a Championship side. However, throughout the first half, they looked to have coped with United well and were defending brilliantly. That was all until the 44th minute when Ronaldo burst in at the back post and headed in to give United the lead on the brink of half-time.
Gary Neville received the ball wide, cut inside, floated the ball to the back post, where Ronaldo would beat wise to the ball and head the ball in with power, meeting it at full speed. He then wheeled away celebrating, ripping his shirt off almost instantly, showing how important the goal for him, especially at that early stage of his career.
Although the Red Devils would have almost certainly one without Ronaldo’s opener, his goal was crucial for two reasons. Firstly, it broke the deadlock in a match where they were having chances but struggling to break down a well-organised defence. Secondly, because it would be the first crucial goal of his career, and boost his confidence at that early stage in his career.
