Ronaldo is set to start for Manchester United and be handed his second debut for the club from the off by Solskjaer when Newcastle visit Old Trafford in the Premier League
Video Unavailable
Solskjaer confirms Cristiano Ronaldo will feature against Newcastle
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to start and make his second debut for Manchester United when Newcastle travel to Old Trafford on Saturday after impressing during his first training sessions back at the club.
The 36-year-old’s grand Old Trafford homecoming will take place at 3pm, with the Theatre of Dreams expected to be packed to the rafters.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner finalised his sensation transfer on deadline day, returning to United after 12 years away following a £12.9 million deal being struck for him to leave Juventus.
Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed on Friday that Ronaldo will feature in the match at some point and it is believed his return will be from the off in the Premier League clash.
According to The Sun, the United boss has been impressed by his early training sessions. And while the staff were expecting him to be out of the ordinary, it seems the coaches have been blown away by his stats.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Solskjaer revealed he has made his mind up over how to utilise his new asset and feels the forward has settled in well.
(
Image:
Manchester United via Getty Imag)
Solskjaer told manutd.com : “He can speak for himself but for us it seems like he’s come home.
“He feels at home here, it looks like. He feels happy to be here, of course, and is very focused,” stated the Norwegian. “I have to say, he’s kept himself in good knick and wants to start helping this team. That’s how he feels.
“He’s a Man. United player and he’s always been a Man. United fan and his family has been, so, of course, it’s a big day for the club, for us, but also for him.”
Solskjaer then went on to admit Ronaldo’s impressive exploits in training have put extra pressure on the United boss to hand the No.7 a start.
“Yeah [he has put pressure on Solskjaer to start], by his performances and by the way he conducts himself.
“He comes into the club as, if not the, at least one of the greatest players of all time having played the game. He’s just slotted straight in,” the 48-year-old noted.
(
Image:
Manchester United via Getty Imag)
How should Ronaldo fit into the starting XI? Give us your lineup here.
“He wants the same as everyone, he’s a part of the team. It’s not like “what about me? What about me?” No, he does exactly what everyone else does and he’s still the same as when he left.
Solskjaer continued: “Around the place he’s always in a good mood, he brings positive vibes.”
Ronaldo himself, speaking via the club’s media on a walk around Old Trafford with former teammate Wes Brown, set out his stall during the week, stating: “Of course I will be nervous on Saturday, but I am more mature, I am more experienced, I will be prepared and I am going to make pressure to Ole now to start in the XI.
“I am ready to go!”
Proving his doubters wrong is also something that the ex-Real Madrid star is chomping at the bit for, adding: “I am not here for vacation.
“As I told you, before was good, winning important things and I wore the shirt before many years ago, but I am here to win again. I am capable, me and my team-mates. I am ready to go, I am ready to go,” he affirmed.
“It is a good chance for me, for the supporters, for the club, to get one step ahead. I am ready and I think I will be a huge thing in the next three or four years.”
