Legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored his 700th club career goal last weekend, appears to be in better head space, and the Manchester United star has sent a positive message to fans following the team's Europa League win against Omonia on Thursday.
It has been a bumpy season for legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo. After becoming the highest goalscorer last year for Manchester United with 24 goals across competitions in his comeback season, the ongoing campaign has been unusual for the Portuguese icon. Although the 37-year-old scored his 700th club career goal at Everton last weekend, there's still a cloud of uncertainty if Erik ten Hag will start with him in Premier League games. Regardless, the milestone achieved on Sunday and Red Devils' Europa League 1-0 win against Omonia last night has undoubtedly put Ronaldo in better head space.
A massive transfer saga marred Ronaldo's start to the season, with the Portugal talisman expressing his desire to leave Old Trafford for a shot at Champions League glory. However, the legendary striker failed to secure the proper suitor and missed the club's pre-season training leaving Erik ten Hag livid. As a result, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner became more of a bench warmer than an attack option for the Dutchman. The frustration on the veteran footballer's face during the Red Devils' 6-3 nightmare against Manchester City spoke volumes.
However, the wind appears to have changed its direction after Ronaldo fired Manchester United to a 2-1 win over Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday with a crucial goal. The exceptional pass from former Real Madrid teammate Casemiro and the clean finish displayed by the Portuguese superstar to clinch his 700th club career goal appears to have made a world of difference for the iconic striker.
On Thursday, during Manchester United's Europa League 1-0 win against Omonia at Old Trafford, Ronaldo missed a chance to take his club career goal tally to 701. The CR7 of a couple of weeks ago would have displayed utter dismay and frustration over the miss. However, last night, the Portugal talisman smiled after Omonia goalkeeper Francis Uzoho made a brilliant save. In fact the 37-year-old striker even exchanged friendly words with the Nigerian goalkeeper - a sight that CR7 fans have missed this season.
Also read: Ronaldo impressed with Uzoho's heroics; fans ask Man United to sign the Omonia goalkeeper
It's glad to see the smile back on Ronaldo's face, and the Portuguese striker is enjoying all the action. Before the clash, a relaxed and relieved Ronaldo trained with the squad at Aon Complex with a smile on his face and after the win, the 37-year-old striker shared words of hope and positivity with the club's fans.
"We believe until the end 💪🏽 🔴⚪️⚫️ #mufc," wrote Ronaldo in an Instagram post that has drawn a massive reaction from United fans. Scott McTominay's goal in the 93rd minute of the clash handed the Red Devils a home victory, and the win in stoppage time has made a world of difference for the team, including Ronaldo.
Speaking after the game, Ten Hag praised the energy and spirit of his squad, with his pleasure at the increase in tempo offered by the players. "I'm really happy. It tells you something about the spirit in the squad. They understand it's not about 11 players, you have to do it, and sometimes it works like that. When you believe in it, the opponent is getting tired, the subs can have an impact when they have the right attitude, the focus to be direct, are fresh and score," the Dutchman said.
In Group E of the Europa League, Manchester United now sit comfortably in second place after recovering from their Matchday 1 defeat to Sociedad and have won their next three games. The Red Devils face Newcastle at Old Trafford on Sunday, and Ronaldo will hope to get more game-time in the Premier League. It will be interesting to see what Ten Hag's move would be.