Ronaldo set for Old Trafford homecoming party
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[September 09, 2021]
By Martyn Herman
LONDON (Reuters) - As the Premier League resumes following the
international break all eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo's
homecoming party at Old Trafford on Saturday, with the Portuguese
international set to resume his Manchester United career after 12
years away.
The 36-year-old re-joined United from Juventus on a two-year deal
last month and could make his 'second debut' as Ole Gunnar
Solskjaer's side host Newcastle United.
While he may have to content himself with a place on the bench, it
would surely surprise no one if United's number seven did not steal
the limelight with a fairytale return.
Ronaldo joined United as teenager in 2003 and went on to win eight
major trophies in six seasons under the watchful eyes of Alex
Ferguson, scoring 118 goals along the way.
He went on to score a club record 451 times for Real Madrid after
leaving United in 2009 and 101 for Juventus.
While the clock is ticking on his magical career, there is no doubt
his return to the Premier League has created a buzz.
Portugal team mate Bruno Fernandes believes Ronaldo's winning
mentality can rub off on a United squad that has fallen just short
of silverware under Solskjaer.
"The enthusiasm will be red hot, everyone knows Cristiano is in the
house," he said this week.
"Everyone is very confident and happy that he is back, the players
too. We know what he can give us and our focus, like Cristiano's, is
to win. With him, we know we are closer to winning (trophies)."
ARSENAL PRESSURE
While the atmosphere at Old Trafford will be electric, the one at
Arsenal on Saturday is likely to be tense.
The Gunners are without a point or a goal in the league this season
and a 5-0 drubbing at Manchester City before the international break
has left them rock bottom of the table with the pressure
intensifying on manager Mikel Arteta.
Should they lose it would be the first time since the 1923-24
campaign that their opening four league games would have ended in
defeat, while they have never gone four at the start of a league
season without scoring a goal.
Not exactly the statistics expected of a club that spent in excess
of 150 million pounds ($207.18 million) in the transfer window,
although technical director Edu has urged patience.
"I think you have to see the bigger picture," the Brazilian told the
club's website.
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Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after the match
REUTERS/Pedro Nunes
"We signed six players, all the six
are under the age of 23 so that is the direction you go to try to
consolidate the direction of the squad, to try to give to the squad
more balance and more future as well."
Promoted Norwich City are not in much better shape, though an
opening run of fixtures against Liverpool, Manchester City and
Leicester City was always likely to return zero points.
They will view a trip to The Emirates as a chance to get points on
the board and earn a first league victory at Arsenal since they won
4-2 on the opening day of the 1992-93 season.
While the Gunners have endured a torrid start, their north London
rivals Tottenham Hotspur are the surprise early leaders with maximum
points after three 1-0 victories.
The first weeks under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo's reign have
not been spectacular but he has galvanised a squad that has been
boosted by their England striker Harry Kane staying put after being
linked with Manchester City.
Tottenham kick off the weekend's action at Crystal Palace with Kane
seeking to maintain his incredible record in London Premier League
derbies, having scored 38 goals, second only to former Arsenal
forward Thierry Henry with 43.
Meanwhile, champions Manchester City face a tricky trip to Leicester
City on Saturday when Chelsea host Aston Villa.
Liverpool travel to Leeds United on Sunday.
($1 = 0.7240 pounds)
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Ken Ferris)
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