When will Cristiano Ronaldo make his Manchester United debut?

Ronaldo signed for his former club in August on a two-year contract

Sarah Rendell
Wednesday 08 September 2021 08:51 BST
Comments
Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to Manchester United (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to begin his second term at Manchester United.

The 36-year-old signed a two-year deal with the option to extend a further year in August to return to a side that heralds him as their hero.

Transfer rumours had stalked Ronaldo all summer as it was reported Juventus could no longer pay his wages due to the financial strain of the pandemic.

On the day it had looked likely the Portugal international would sign for United’s rivals Manchester City, the Reds ensured their star would play for no-one else but them.

“Manchester United is a club that has always had a special place in my heart, and I have been overwhelmed by all the messages I have received since the announcement on Friday,” Ronaldo told the club website.

“I cannot wait to play at Old Trafford in front of a full stadium and see all the fans again. I’m looking forward to joining up with the team after the international games, and I hope we have a very successful season ahead.”

Ronaldo is yet to take to Old Trafford once more but when will he play for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side? Here’s all you need to know.

When will Ronaldo make his debut?

It is expected that Ronaldo will take his second bow at United on 11 September in a Premier League fixture against Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United.

The game will be played at Old Trafford and the crowd are sure to let the star know how happy they are that he has returned.

Solskjaer is targeting a league title this season after coming second to City last term and so far they are third following two wins and a draw.

The manager will be hoping Ronaldo will fire them to their first league title victory since the 12/13 campaign.

When was his first debut for the club?

Ronaldo first appeared in a United shirt in the Premier League on 16 August 2003 against the Bolton Wanderers.

The club won 4-0 and Ronaldo’s performance earned him praise from George Best, who said is was “undoubtedly the most exciting debut” he’d ever seen.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in