>
RONALDO WATCH: Cristiano was booed by some of United’s support when his name was read for kick-off and he was clearly at his best… but fans eventually sang his song and there was relief everywhere when he scored
- Cristiano Ronaldo expresses his frustrations during a rare start against Sheriff
- He scored the third goal in Man United’s 3-0 win over Old Trafford on Thursday
- Ronaldo looked like a kid who took the mischievous step after receiving massive criticism
- After storming out of United’s win over Spurs, his future at the club looked grim
- Here he was clearly at his best, but was booed by some supporters
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
Cristiano Ronaldo is no stranger to a few boosts coming his way, given that he has scared teams across Europe, but to be booed by some of his own fans at Old Trafford must have been a novelty.
When his name was read for kick-off, the majority of the crowd cheered in for their number seven, but it was clear his actions last week had upset the factions of Old Trafford’s support. As the old saying goes, no player is bigger than the club.
Ronaldo had a wry smile as the teams came out as if he were a kid just let down from the naughty step.
Cristiano Ronaldo tried his best during a rare start for Man United
The troubled attacker finally found the net in United’s 3-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol . on Thursday
He has faced massive criticism for refusing to act as a sub against Tottenham
Erik ten Hag had said before the game that he had to convince him on the pitch and the Portuguese international looked energetic early on.
And 18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho’s cross found Ronaldo almost waiting to pounce into the penalty area and from the resulting corner Ronaldo headed over, but those were strong early signs.
Admittedly, this was not the sort of game that could seriously test Ronaldo’s defensive offerings, with United enjoying more than 70 per cent of possession.
Ronaldo was a frustrated figure and even stood aside to let Christian Eriksen take free kicks
But the chance to back his social media speech came in the 28th minute and Ronaldo should have scored.
Bruno Fernandes put it on a plate for Ronaldo in the six-yard box, but his right foot was tame and stopped by Sheriff’s keeper Maxym Koval. Ronaldo may have had a smile on his face, but it was the kind of opportunity you would expect an attacker to throw nine times out of ten.
What stood out most was Ronaldo’s general attitude and his clear effort to be at his best.
When Christian Eriksen won a free kick shortly after half-time, it was very different from Ronaldo to step aside despite the crowd’s shouts of ‘Siuuu’, but as the match progressed his frustration grew.
Ronaldo was booed by some fans but was relieved when he hit home after a rebound to get on the scoresheet and end his difficult recent stint
Just before the hour, another chance was begging as Ronaldo sliced into his right flank and crossed the penalty area from inside and flashed wide.
The Stretford End applauded and chanted ‘Viva Ronaldo’, but they had expected the net to bulge and Ronaldo stood with his hands on his hips.
He was now craving a goal and a few minutes later he was annoyed when he found the back of the net with a volley, but it was disallowed for offside.
Frustration was an understatement to sum up Ronaldo’s mood when his free kick was blocked in the 80th minute and it looked like that goal would never come.
But that relief finally came with his first Old Trafford goal of the season when his header was saved but Ronaldo smashed in the rebound.