Cristiano Ronaldo: A Legend of Manchester United

Is Cristiano Ronaldo considered a legend of Manchester United? Absolutely, his journey with the club from 2003 to 2009 and his return in 2021 until 2022 has been nothing short of spectacular. During his initial stint, he contributed significantly to Manchester United's success by winning three Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, two League Cups, and the FA Cup. His brilliance on the field, especially his goal-scoring ability, has cemented his legacy at the club.

His return to Manchester United in 2021 was met with high expectations, and he continued to make history. For instance, in the Champions League match against Villarreal on September 22, 2021, Ronaldo scored the 95th-minute winning goal, becoming the first United player to score a 90th-minute winner in the Champions League since Marouane Fellaini in November 2018. Before this goal, Paco Alcacer had given Villarreal the lead, but Ronaldo's heroics demonstrated his enduring impact on the team.

Manchester United Legends: A Closer Look

While Ronaldo's achievements are remarkable, he is not alone in the pantheon of Manchester United legends. Many of the iconic figures who shaped the club's history remain the most celebrated names. For instance, Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best, and Denis Law have left an indelible mark on the club, not to mention legendary managers like Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson. Although Ronaldo hasn't retired yet, traditional wisdom dictates that to become a legend at United, one must be retired and have a statue outside the stadium, or at least be knighted and have a stand named after them.

Cristiano Ronaldo: A Goal Scoring Machine

Ronaldo's return to Manchester United in 2021 was highly anticipated, and his performances during that tenure further enhanced his legacy. Not only did he score crucial goals, but he also showed exceptional ambition, as exemplified by his performance against Villarreal in the Champions League. His 95th-minute goal not only won the match but also broke a club record, positioning him among the pantheon of Manchester United greats.

It's worth noting that while Ronaldo's first two spells at Manchester United were remarkable, his second stint has been equally impressive, particularly in light of his age. At 37 years and 236 days, he became Manchester United's second-oldest scorer in European competition, following Bryan Robson's record set in 1993, which one reviewer noted stands at 36 years and 282 days against Galatasaray.

Champions League Performance

Ronaldo's performance in the Champions League has been nothing short of stellar, and his contributions have not gone unnoticed. His 95th-minute goal against Villarreal was not just a goal; it was a grand statement of his determination to be part of Manchester United's history. Following this victory, Villarreal's winning streak came to an end, as they suffered their first defeat in 18 games after 12 wins and 5 draws.

United's next Champions League match is set for October 20 against Atalanta, a team currently leading their group. With Ronaldo at the forefront of the team, fans are hopeful that under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's leadership, Manchester United will continue to make a strong run in the tournament.

Conclusion

Cristiano Ronaldo remains a powerful symbol of Manchester United's success, and his presence continues to inspire both fans and teammates. His brilliance on the pitch and his unwavering commitment to the club will undoubtedly ensure his place among the United legends. While other players like Bobby Charlton and Sir Alex Ferguson might be considered the ultimate legends, Ronaldo's impact on the club's legacy is undeniable.