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A brace from Cristiano Ronaldo marked his return to Manchester United as they registered a thumping 4-1 triumph over Newcastle United on Saturday. Ronaldo’s goals were added to by Bruno Fernandes and Jesse Lingard, while Javi Manquillo grabbed a consolation for the visitors.
Ronaldo, the returning Red Devils frontman, gave the hosts the lead in first-half stoppage time. Having seen his side frustrated by a dogged Newcastle defence, he tapped home a loose ball from close range to break the deadlock.
The visitors got back on level terms in the 56th minute as Manquillo put the finishing touches on a swift Newcastle counter-attack. However, Ronaldo’s second in the 62nd minute ensured that parity did not last for long.
Fernandes’ long-range stunner in the 80th minute then made United’s position much more comfortable before Lingard wrapped things up in added time. The Red Devils thus rise to the top of the Premier League table, maintaining their unbeaten start to the season. In contrast, Newcastle are still looking for their first win of the campaign.
On that note, here are five major talking points from an engrossing affair at Old Trafford.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo marks his second Manchester United debut in style
Back at Manchester United after a lengthy absence, Ronaldo made his first Premier League appearance in more than 12 years. Having last featured in the league against Arsenal in May 2009, the Portuguese international made his much-anticipated return this evening against the Magpies.
Those eager to see Ronaldo in Manchester United red once again would have been delighted to see him handed a starting berth by Solskjaer. They were not disappointed either, as the 36-year-old marked his return with an important brace.
The player that United signed back in 2003 is quite different to the one they welcomed back in 2021. Ronaldo has transformed from a young, slender, flashy winger full of tricks to an experienced deadly marksman with an eye for goal. What United will be hoping, however, is that his single-minded hunger to win remains the same and makes the difference for them this season.
#2 Both managers were able to call upon their South American contingent
While the pre-match spotlight shone brightly on Cristiano Ronaldo, another pressing selection issue reached a quiet resolution. Up until Friday, Premier League managers had been sweating over the availability of their South American players after the recently concluded international break.
This came after English clubs had earlier blocked South American players from traveling to World Cup qualifiers in nations red-listed by the British government.
However, the threat of a prospective five-day ban was lifted as several nations waived their right to trigger the relevant FIFA regulations. As a result, instead of being forced to miss the game, the likes of Fred and Miguel Almiron were available for selection.
#3 Newcastle struggling for form under Steve Bruce
Despite giving a creditable account of themselves against Manchester United, Newcastle United have not had the best start to this campaign. A 2-2 draw with Southampton before the international break won them their first point of an otherwise joyless season.
However, having now lost three of their first four league games, Newcastle find themselves at the wrong end of the table. A frustrating exit from Carabao Cup and a thigh injury to star striker Callum Wilson has made matters worse for Bruce’s men. As such, a quick response is needed from the side as a whole if they are to arrest this downward slide.
#4 Manchester United continue to struggle against deep-lying defences
Manchester United’s apparent inability to break down well-organised defenses has become a recurring theme in recent times. Under Solskjaer, the Red Devils seem to prefer attacking opponents on the counter rather than having to unlock deep-lying defensive units. In such situations, United invariably seem to rely on individual brilliance or an opposition error to find a breakthrough.
In addition to these struggles in front of goal, United have also made it a habit to overcommit and concede on the break themselves. That was exactly what played out against Newcastle as well. The hosts initially found it quite difficult to break down their dogged opponents and were given a helping hand by the opposing goalkeeper.
However, a swift Newcastle counter-attack caught the home defense napping as the visitors got back on level terms early in the second half. Fortunately for United, they were able to restore their lead fairly quickly and ran away with it soon after. A concerted effort to attack games with increased intensity definitely needs to be a priority for the Red Devils going forward.
#5 Paul Pogba continues to shine in Manchester United's midfield
Often criticized for his displays in a Manchester United shirt thus far, Paul Pogba seems intent on silencing his critics this season. The Frenchman has started the campaign on fire, with a sparkling four-assist display in United’s opener setting the tone.
Despite starting the season out on the left wing, Pogba has made a seamless move into central midfield and seems to be thriving there. The full range of his exceptional passing ability has been on display this season, and his fellow attackers have reaped the benefits.
As such, Manchester United will be hoping that a new contract offer is enough for him to commit his future to the club. With his contract coming to an end in the summer, there will be no shortage of suitors for this version of Pogba.
