Cristiano Ronaldo: Man Utd match-winner brings reminder of glory days

[Animous]

The celebrations started in the 95th minute and continued for almost an hour after the full-time whistle.

Manchester United needed some cheer, and they got it as Wednesday's Champions League match against Villarreal was won five minutes into stoppage time. "Viva Ronaldo" filled the air on a night reminiscent of the glory days - for both United and their match-winner.

Cristiano Ronaldo enjoys playing in the Champions League. He provided further proof by delivering another unforgettable moment in the competition.

The Portuguese superstar has scored many great and important goals in European competition. Here was one that brought United's delighted supporters to their feet. Those present for the first Champions League match in front of a crowd at Old Trafford for two-and-a-half years had been treated to a storming finish.

United were disappointing overall against Villarreal and were heading for a third straight game without victory until Ronaldo stroked in from Jesse Lingard's lay-off.

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Despair turned to joy in a flash as Ronaldo rippled the net before running off to the corner, ripping off his shirt and throwing it into the air in celebration.

"That is what happens at Old Trafford," manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told BT Sport. "It has happened so many times before. We had to throw caution to the wind and we got lucky in the end.

"Sometimes it is not about 'pass there, pass there', it is the crowd - and they have sucked it in before - and when you have Cristiano on the pitch, you always have a chance. He is so good in front of goal and he has an impact on everyone."

'That is what world-class players do'

Ronaldo was booked for ripping off his shirt in celebration

Ronaldo returned to United in August after 12 years away, having at one stage looked close to joining rivals Manchester City. It is believed that he spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson, his former United manager, before deciding on coming back to Old Trafford.

The 36-year-old has a rich history in the Champions League, having lifted the trophy five times. Against Villarreal, he made a record 178th appearance in the competition. United needed his inspiration on Wednesday.

Solskjaer was under pressure after a humiliating loss in the opening group game against Young Boys. His side came into the contest following back-to-back home defeats in limp displays against West Ham and Aston Villa.

But match-winner Ronaldo stood up with his fifth goal of the campaign in the renowned 'Fergie Time', bringing a beaming smile to the face of his old boss Ferguson, who enthusiastically applauded the goal.

It also brought much relief to Solskjaer and supporters in the stands, who stayed inside the stadium long after full-time with that continuous rendition of "Viva Ronaldo".

"That's some atmosphere. I'm just soaking it in," former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

"When your team needs you, Cristiano Ronaldo produces. Credit to Manchester United - they didn't play that well, but well done to Ronaldo.

"He can have a quiet night, but that's what world-class players do - they finish like that."

Solskjaer added: "He has done that so many times. That is what he has done throughout his career.

"He is so strong mentally, he stays in the game and I have seen him all day today, how focused he has been.

"When he gets that one chance, it is a goal. A true mark of a very good finisher is keeping calm when the chance arrives."

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