Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo has shamed four players after Newcastle heroics

Cristiano Ronaldo’s first goal on Man Utd return in pictures

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Manchester United hammered Newcastle 4-1 at Old Trafford, with Cristiano Ronaldo shining. It was a sensational performance from the Portugal international, who bagged a brace before further goals from Bruno Fernandes and Jesse Lingard.Express Sport takes a look at four ex-United players the 36-year-old has already put to shame.

Alexis Sanchez

This is what Manchester United No 7’s are all about.

It’s a jersey that means everything to Ronaldo and his sumptuous display means he’s already shown up Alexis Sanchez.

When Sanchez was signed from Arsenal in January 2018, he was immediately given the prestigious honour of donning the special shirt number.

But he scored just five times before being flogged to Inter Milan.

Ronaldo is now nearly halfway to bettering that tally, despite playing just 90 minutes back at Old Trafford so far.

THINK YOU KNOW SPORT? Test your sporting knowledge with our tricky quiz

Angel Di Maria

Angel Di Maria recently admitted he didn’t give a ‘f***’ about the club’s No 7 shirt.

“I didn’t give a f*** about the Manchester United no.7,” he said.

“At first they talked to me a lot about it, it was just a shirt.”

Maybe that explains why Di Maria whimped out of English football after just one year.

Ronaldo has the courage to play in the Premier League, with the No 7, on one of the biggest stages of them all.

Di Maria had some fine moments but his lack of courage, and understanding, is why he never made the grade.

DON’T MISS

Man Utd set Kane price by Tottenham chief Levy ‘convinced’

Arsenal make Arteta sack decision after Man City defeat

Keita agent calls out Liverpool boss Klopp

Radamel Falcao

Though Radamel Falcao wasn’t given the No 7 shirt by United, they still hoped he’d be a substantial hit.

Except he wasn’t. Four goals in all competitions, in a year, simply wasn’t good enough.

And Ronaldo’s brace means the Colombia international is another player he’s now put to shame.

The way he’s looked after his body and worked so hard on becoming perfect is what separates the 36-year-old from the rest of us mere mortals.

Falcao had good intentions and was a good professional but, ultimately, a flop. Ronaldo, on the other hand, looks like he’ll be anything but.

Memphis Depay

Perhaps a cruel inclusion, but Memphis Depay has also been put to shame.

The last time United had a young winger with as much talent as the Dutchman when he arrived in 2015 was Ronaldo himself.

He then spent years working on everything, winning round both Sir Alex Ferguson and his more experienced team-mates.

But Depay, while he worked hard, wasn’t willing to stay put when Lyon came calling in 2018.

Had he committed himself by learning from older pros, like Ronaldo did, he may not have lasted a paltry 18 months in England.

Fernandes reacts to Ronaldo’s heroics

Speaking after the match, Fernandes hailed Ronaldo for his heroics.

“It was almost perfect if we did not concede. We are really happy and the performance in general was really good,” the Portuguese said.

“Newcastle are really organised, defend well but we moved the ball quick and waited for the right moment to hit them.

“It is something I am working on and today I got the chance and scored.

“Everyone knows what Cristiano Ronaldo brought for the club and we are really happy to have him. The most important, as he will say, is the result for the team. Good players can always play well together.

“We arrived at the end (of last season) with some mistakes but did really well. There has been an improvement in the club and now it is time to take the next step.”

Source: Read Full Article