Sky Sports and BT make decision on showing Cristiano Ronaldo’s second Man Utd debut

Ronaldo 'happy to be back home' at Man Utd

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Manchester United are likely to give Cristiano Ronaldo his debut against Newcastle on September 11. The Portugal international has returned to Old Trafford, 12 years after leaving for Real Madrid. And Sky Sports and BT Sport have now made a decision when it comes to showing that match.

Ronaldo had looked destined to join Manchester City towards the end of the summer transfer window.

With Pep Guardiola’s side needing a striker, having missed out on Tottenham’s Harry Kane, they set about sealing a sensational deal.

Except then, United intervened.

The Red Devils decided to pay Juventus’ asking price for the 36-year-old, with the forward then prioritising a return to Old Trafford instead of a move to the Etihad Stadium.

United then officially confirmed his second coming on deadline day, saying: “Manchester United is delighted to confirm the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo on a two-year contract with the option to extend for a further year, subject to international clearance.

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“Cristiano, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has so far won over 30 major trophies during his career, including five UEFA Champions League titles, four FIFA Club World Cups, seven league titles in England, Spain and Italy, and the UEFA European Championship for his native Portugal.

“Cristiano is the first player to win leagues in three different countries, he was also the highest goalscorer in last season’s Serie A and won the golden boot at this year’s European Championship.

“In his first spell for Manchester United, he scored 118 goals in 292 games.”

Ever since, attentions have turned towards his second debut for the club.

That’s expected to come against Newcastle next week, the team he scored his only Red Devils hat-trick against during his first spell with the Red Devils.

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Yet the Daily Mail say Sky Sports and BT Sport won’t be showing the showdown, which is due to take place at 3pm.

It’s claimed they’ve ‘resisted’ the temptation to change their schedule out of consideration for supporters.

With the match just a week away, it would have left fans with precious little time to alter their arrangements.

And that means the match won’t be shown live.

BBC Radio 5 LIVE will provide live updates, while Sky may show the game later from 8.30pm.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, has revealed he’s spoken to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over his return – insisting he is ‘available for everything’.

“Well, we had a chat, but of course I’m going to have time to speak with him face to face, to know what he expects,” he said.

“As you know, I played with him for two or three years at Manchester United so I have a good relationship with him but now with a different role, I’m a player and he’s a coach.

“But it doesn’t matter, my relationship with him is great and as I say before, I’m there in Manchester to help the team achieve his results and the coach can count on me for whatever he wants.

“So I’m available for everything.”

Solskjaer is delighted with Ronaldo’s return, insisting he’ll be a huge dressing room presence.

“You run out of words to describe Cristiano,” said the 48-year-old.

“He is not only a marvellous player, but also a great human being.

“To have the desire and the ability to play at the top level for such a long period requires a very special person.

“I have no doubt that he will continue to impress us all and his experience will be so vital for the younger players in the squad.

“Ronaldo’s return demonstrates the unique appeal of this club and I am absolutely delighted he is coming home to where it all started.”

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