Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United

[Firebat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲, <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cristiano</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ronaldo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ronaldo</a></p>— Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1431283208889544707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
12 years on from 24 year-old Ronaldo leaving Manchester United following a Ballon D'or and PL winning season, CR7 returns to the club he first came to as an 18 year-old!

This is of course a different, older, slower Ronaldo than the one who won 3 UCL's in a row, but he remains one of the best players in the world. Invariably he will play the main #9 role for the majority of this season, ahead of Cavani.

How do you guys think he will get on in his 2nd stint at Manchester United?

 

[Double Trouble]

G8 signing for united so glad he didn’t go to PSG.

Absolute quality player who will lighten the PL.

Ronaldo 2.0 will be as good as the same player who left all then years ago inshaallah.

 

[The_KING]

Ronaldo isn't the player he once was. He is not that tricky skillful winger he was during his first spell at United. He has been more of a penalty box player for the past 5-6 years, but he is still an amazing player and with the creativity of Bruno and Pogba behind him, he will bag 25-30 goals, in my opinion. I think he will be a success.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Nowhere near the player he was at Madrid.

Ronaldo's job will be hang around the box, try to score as many as possible. He stopped tracking back a long time ago, other teams will exploit this esp with Utd having an average manager.

15 goals in the Premier league would be great. No chance he will score 25-30.

 

[PetroDollars]

Ronaldo isn't the player he once was. He is not that tricky skillful winger he was during his first spell at United. He has been more of a penalty box player for the past 5-6 years, but he is still an amazing player and with the creativity of Bruno and Pogba behind him, he will bag 25-30 goals, in my opinion. I think he will be a success.

Hes not the player he was at RM, but hes actually a better player then he was at MU, a different one but more complete goal scorer.

He toped the charts last season in seria a, when lukaku supposedly had a super season but was considered quite poor for cristiano.
He again topped top the goal scoring charts at euro2020 despite playing only 3 games.

Not sure if Pogba will remain now with PSG fishing in the next 3 days but with bruno and sancho he should get plently of assists, i expect 30+ goals this season from him.

 

[The_KING]

Hes not the player he was at RM, but hes actually a better player then he was at MU, a different one but more complete goal scorer.

He toped the charts last season in seria a, when lukaku supposedly had a super season but was considered quite poor for cristiano.
He again topped top the goal scoring charts at euro2020 despite playing only 3 games.

Not sure if Pogba will remain now with PSG fishing in the next 3 days but with bruno and sancho he should get plently of assists, i expect 30+ goals this season from him.

I agree that he is a better player now. Just a different player now to the one 10-15 years ago.

I don't think Pogba will leave this season, but he may go next season.

 

[Mamoon]

Nowhere near the player he was at Madrid.

Ronaldo's job will be hang around the box, try to score as many as possible. He stopped tracking back a long time ago, other teams will exploit this esp with Utd having an average manager.

15 goals in the Premier league would be great. No chance he will score 25-30.

)

This is why PL fans are known for being delusional.

Ronaldo, along with Messi, is the GOAT. He is still miles above any attacker in the PL in spite of 36 years old.

He will easily score 25-30 league goals if he doesn’t get injured.

15 goals lol.

 

[PetroDollars]

I agree that he is a better player now. Just a different player now to the one 10-15 years ago.

I don't think Pogba will leave this season, but he may go next season.

IF PSG sell Mbappe, they wont get haaland so will come to him next.

 

[The_KING]

IF PSG sell Mbappe, they wont get haaland so will come to him next.

They are in for Richarlarson of Everton. Anyway, if PSG come in for Pogba, we mustn't sell him, even if we lose him for free next summer. At this late stage of the transfer window, we have no time to replace him.

 

[PetroDollars]

They are in for Richarlarson of Everton. Anyway, if PSG come in for Pogba, we mustn't sell him, even if we lose him for free next summer. At this late stage of the transfer window, we have no time to replace him.

Hes a LW now, so hes already been replaced with Sancho.

Even though i dont expect Pogba to accept there offer if it comes, running down his contract and asking for renewal fees will be to lucrative for him and his agent.

 

[PetroDollars]

Nowhere near the player he was at Madrid.

Ronaldo's job will be hang around the box, try to score as many as possible. He stopped tracking back a long time ago, other teams will exploit this esp with Utd having an average manager.

15 goals in the Premier league would be great. No chance he will score 25-30.

)
Lost cause

 

[Kroll]

This guy is football royalty. He's going to light up the PL.

He's going to smash it.

 

[Giannis]

Ronaldo gonna score like 20-30 goals half them either free kicks or penalties and Utd will end up either 2nd or 3rd on the table. They could possibly make a deep run in the Champions League, maybe finish runner ups to PSG.

 

[SangasCoverDrive]

He would probably the difference between them drawing against the likes of Soton and winning those games. I don't think it will make them UCL contenders, he hardly did anything of note in UCL with Juve with a much better squad so unfair to expect much from him.

 

[The_KING]

Hes a LW now, so hes already been replaced with Sancho.

Even though i dont expect Pogba to accept there offer if it comes, running down his contract and asking for renewal fees will be to lucrative for him and his agent.

I still think Ole needs to stop playing 2 DMs every match. When we play with two DMs, we struggle to create chances when we come up against teams that sit back. The Southampton game is a perfect example. Ronaldo won't like it if we don't create chances for him.

I think we need to play 4-3-3 with one DM and two 8s. Pogba and Bruno can play as 8s, with Ronaldo, Sancho and Greenwood as the front three. I think that way we will create more chances and play better football.

 

[PakLFC]

He will be a good signing. Probably not as good as he was 10 years back but still a good and effective incoming. As he has kept himself very fit age should not be a problem for him.

 

[PetroDollars]

I still think Ole needs to stop playing 2 DMs every match. When we play with two DMs, we struggle to create chances when we come up against teams that sit back. The Southampton game is a perfect example. Ronaldo won't like it if we don't create chances for him.

I think we need to play 4-3-3 with one DM and two 8s. Pogba and Bruno can play as 8s, with Ronaldo, Sancho and Greenwood as the front three. I think that way we will create more chances and play better football.

We only have one DM in Matic who is finished, we play 2 cms as dms to compensate for a DM. Therefore 4-3-3 is impossible without a strong DM otherwise you will get over run, i would go for saul, but it wont happen unless we sell lingard and martial.

I dont mind the double pivot if it include Pogba

 

[PetroDollars]

So Ronaldo will make his second debut against NC and both sky and BT decided not to televionise it, what a cockup

 

[The_KING]

We only have one DM in Matic who is finished, we play 2 cms as dms to compensate for a DM. Therefore 4-3-3 is impossible without a strong DM otherwise you will get over run, i would go for saul, but it wont happen unless we sell lingard and martial.

I dont mind the double pivot if it include Pogba

We could do with a Saul if it's just a loan, which is what I am hearing. I don't want Pogba to play as a double pivot, as Pogba isn't that good defensively and it limits him offensively, as he has to stay back and hand hold whoever he plays with in that double pivot.

We need to sell players. We have a lot of players in the attacking players who can play in the front three. Rashford, Martial, James, Dialo, Greenwood, Ronaldo, Sancho, Greenwood, Mata, Pogba, Lingard, Cavani. Out of those players, Ronaldo will play every week because he is Ronaldo. Sancho will probably play every week too, as he is a big summer signing. I suspect Pogba and Rashford will share the left side. We need to move on from the likes of James, Mata, Lingard, Martial etc.

 

[Protea Fan]

Ronaldo scored 30 odd goals every season with a nonexistent juventus midfield in so called defensive serie a

Then why not he can't replicate some thing close to that when players in the likes of pogba,bruno,greenwood,rashford are surrounded

With the kind of competition ,winning EPL is an uphill task for united but ronaldo's signing will be an added boost to go for it

 

[Mamoon]

Ronaldo gonna score like 20-30 goals half them either free kicks or penalties and Utd will end up either 2nd or 3rd on the table. They could possibly make a deep run in the Champions League, maybe finish runner ups to PSG.

Ronaldo has been terrible at free-kicks for years. He is gonna hit the wall or fly it to the third tier like 99% of his free-kicks. However, he will steal Bruno’s penalties.

Even without penalties, he will comfortably outscore everyone else though.

 

[Ahmad-GERMANFC]

Ronaldo scored 30 odd goals every season with a nonexistent juventus midfield in so called defensive serie a

Then why not he can't replicate some thing close to that when players in the likes of pogba,bruno,greenwood,rashford are surrounded

With the kind of competition ,winning EPL is an uphill task for united but ronaldo's signing will be an added boost to go for it

Tbf the level of Italian teams is very low

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

He should have a good season. Even though he is 36 now, he keeps himself very fit, so his age is not a problem. Not to mention he will have better players around him at United than he had Juventus.

 

[James]

He will smash it I think. His arrival will put Man Utd seriously into the mix for the league title alongside City and Liverpool (and Chelsea).

 

[Waleed93]

[/b]

)

This is why PL fans are known for being delusional.

Ronaldo, along with Messi, is the GOAT. He is still miles above any attacker in the PL in spite of 36 years old.

He will easily score 25-30 league goals if he doesn’t get injured.

15 goals lol.

I came here to see these kind of delusional statements from PL *******.

Ronaldo at 36 scored 29 Serie A goals with a dead Juventus midfield and we are supposed to believe he won't touch 15 goals in the PL, that too with Bruno, Sancho, Pogba and Shaw feeding him.

Just like Messi, it depends on how much games he starts, but I expect him to touch the 25 goals mark.

 

[OldWarHorse]

Yeah he will do fine. Will be rotated with Cavani I suppose for some games, so statswise may not be earth shattering but with both being pretty sharp throughout due to lesser workload..could be carnage.

What an upgrade over a sulking Martial and an erratic Rashford

 

[Firebat]

Ronaldo’s stats in recent seasons at Juve. Still an elite goal scorer.

 

[The_KING]

Tbf the level of Italian teams is very low

And there are a lot of dead team in the Premier League as well such as Arsenal, Norwich, Crystal Palace, Watford, Newcastle, Southamption etc.

 

[The_KING]

Yeah he will do fine. Will be rotated with Cavani I suppose for some games, so statswise may not be earth shattering but with both being pretty sharp throughout due to lesser workload..could be carnage.

What an upgrade over a sulking Martial and an erratic Rashford

I doubt Ronaldo will be rotated much. He is still extremely fit and he wants to play every game. I suspect he will play all the premier league and champions league games. Cavani will probably only play league Cup & FA cup games.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

He is an elite player and will undoubtedly flourish in the PL. He seems the type of guy to be spurred on by wanting personal achievements ( in a good way), and with a loyal Man Utd crowd carrying him along we could be in for a real fairytale season.

All eyes will be on him and I suspect thats just the way he likes it.

 

[Mamoon]

I came here to see these kind of delusional statements from PL *******.

Ronaldo at 36 scored 29 Serie A goals with a dead Juventus midfield and we are supposed to believe he won't touch 15 goals in the PL, that too with Bruno, Sancho, Pogba and Shaw feeding him.

Just like Messi, it depends on how much games he starts, but I expect him to touch the 25 goals mark.

34 year old Vardy scored 15 goals in the PL for Leicester last season but 36 year old Ronaldo “would do great” to score 15 league goals for man United.

 

[shaz619]

So Ronaldo will make his second debut against NC and both sky and BT decided not to televionise it, what a cockup

How is that possible ? where will it be shown live

 

[Firebat]

Ole: Ronaldo will not warm the bench

Solskjaer warned his Manchester United forwards that Ronaldo will not be warming the Old Trafford bench, adding: "He is not signing to sit on the bench. He is going to make us a better team.

"We need to get all the paperwork done, hopefully we can get that sorted and we can announce it 100 per cent.

"Then he is away with Portugal, they have three games, his last game is Tuesday (September 7) and then we can get him back to Manchester and involved as soon as possible."

The debate as to where Solskjaer will deploy Ronaldo once he teams up with his squad has rumbled on from the moment an agreement to re-sign him from Juventus was confirmed but, speaking after the win at Wolves, the United boss made it clear where he sees Ronaldo playing.

"Cristiano has evolved as a player; he used to play wide right, wide left, up front," Solskjaer said. "He's more of a centre forward for me at the moment, but there will be games where we play with two or three up front. I want him in the box, I want him scoring goals."

As for how the sensational transfer came about, Solskjaer refused to be drawn on the role Sir Alex Ferguson and Bruno Fernandes reportedly played in convincing Ronaldo to return to Old Trafford, insisting the player's desire was the most important factor.

"That's football for you, sometimes it happens," Solskjaer explained. "We've always been watching Cristiano, the one day he was going to move we were going to be interested. We never thought he was going to leave Juventus this season. When he did, we had to speak to him, of course.

"Everyone that cares for Manchester United wanted this to happen, everyone played a part, but the biggest thing is that Cristiano wanted to come here."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...-pogba-david-de-gea-luke-shaw-roy-keane-react

 

[KingKhanWC]

[/b]

)

This is why PL fans are known for being delusional.

Ronaldo, along with Messi, is the GOAT. He is still miles above any attacker in the PL in spite of 36 years old.

He will easily score 25-30 league goals if he doesn’t get injured.

15 goals lol.

Easily would mean you're expecting 40-50 PL goals ,breaking the record by nearly 10-20 goals )

You're the chap who thinks Arteta is a genius, please put your predictions in your pocket.

Gary Neville still doesnt believe Utd will win the league having spent over half a billion & with Ronaldo. lol

 

[MenInG]

Cristiano Ronaldo has completed his Manchester United medical as he closes on a return to his former club.

United announced they had reached an agreement with Juventus to re-sign the 36-year-old forward on Friday.

Personal terms have been agreed on a two-year contract, with the required aspects of the deal to be finalised before the deadline on Tuesday night.

The Premier League club will pay around €15m (£12.87m) plus a further €8m (£6.86m) in add-ons for the Portugal captain, who underwent a medical in Lisbon over the weekend.

 

[sweep_shot]

Surprised to see him back with MU.

All the best.

I expect him to do well. I also think this should be his last run with a major club.

 

[Mamoon]

Easily would mean you're expecting 40-50 PL goals ,breaking the record by nearly 10-20 goals )

You're the chap who thinks Arteta is a genius, please put your predictions in your pocket.

Gary Neville still doesnt believe Utd will win the league having spent over half a billion & with Ronaldo. lol

Looks like you need to work on your English. Easily does not imply he will score 40-50 goals; it implies that he will have no problem scoring 25-30 league goals if he does not get injured.

Even at 36, Ronaldo is by far the best forward in the PL right now.

Peak Ronaldo/Messi would have scored 40-50 though.

Ronaldo scoring 25-30 league goals does not guarantee that United will win the league though, so Gary Neville’s statement has nothing to do with how many goals Ronaldo will score.

Nevertheless, one can only laugh at your assertion that Ronaldo will do well to score 15 league goals.

Vardy at 34 scored 15 goals for Leicester last season, Patrick Bamford scored 17 for Leeds and Calvert-Lewin scored 15 for Everton, but somehow, Ronaldo will struggle to score more than 15 while being fed by Bruno, Sancho, Rashford, Greenwood, Shaw etc. )

Maybe you should try stand-up comedy.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Looks like you need to work on your English. Easily does not imply he will score 40-50 goals; it implies that he will have no problem scoring 25-30 league goals if he does not get injured.

Even at 36, Ronaldo is by far the best forward in the PL right now.

Peak Ronaldo/Messi would have scored 40-50 though.

Ronaldo scoring 25-30 league goals does not guarantee that United will win the league though, so Gary Neville’s statement has nothing to do with how many goals Ronaldo will score.

Nevertheless, one can only laugh at your assertion that Ronaldo will do well to score 15 league goals.

Vardy at 34 scored 15 goals for Leicester last season, Patrick Bamford scored 17 for Leeds and Calvert-Lewin scored 15 for Everton, but somehow, Ronaldo will struggle to score more than 15 while being fed by Bruno, Sancho, Rashford, Greenwood, Shaw etc. )

Maybe you should try stand-up comedy.

Easily means with ease, no effort. 25 league goals is your minimum so in your mind he should score 35 at least, this is the record.

Ronaldo isnt the same player, he plays around the box. Time will tell if he scores 35 league goals and breaks the premier league record. He's not the best striker in the league lol. I advise you again, play the sport and attend matches, sitting on the sofa cheerleading is what made you look daft reg Arteta & you're doing it again. lol

 

[JaDed]

So will he score 15 or 25 or 35? Should we have a poll lol

I say 20ish range (safe )

 

[MenInG]

New Manchester United signing Cristiano Ronaldo:

“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.

"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.”

 

[Greenstorm]

Considering that DCL and Antonio type players will probably end up with 20+ goals this season, Ronaldo should at least score 27+ if he plays about 30 games.

A lot of defenders in PL are technically weak, they rely more on strength or pace which won't concern Ronaldo.

 

[mastimasti]

Considering that DCL and Antonio type players will probably end up with 20+ goals this season, Ronaldo should at least score 27+ if he plays about 30 games.

A lot of defenders in PL are technically weak, they rely more on strength or pace which won't concern Ronaldo.

Antonio from West Ham? He's never scored more than 10 goals the league, you think he is going to magically score 20+??? Just because he has had a good start to the season?

Come on now.

 

[mastimasti]

Now, on the topic of Ronaldo, he is entering a very different PL to the one he left in 2009. In those last couple of season, the Man United team was built around Ronaldo. Tihs United is very different, it's much more focused on building slowly from defence, countering fast and relying on the through balls of Pogba..who let's be honest, is not the best when wearing the red jersey.

I can't imagine the system changing to facilitate Ronaldo, and I do not imagine he will play many 90 game matches.

 

[Greenstorm]

Antonio from West Ham? He's never scored more than 10 goals the league, you think he is going to magically score 20+??? Just because he has had a good start to the season?

Come on now.

This season he has a very creative no 10 in Benrahma playing beside him. Alright, I'll say he should score at least 15 this season but there is a chance of him ending up with 20+. He has four already and August hasn't ended.

 

[Greenstorm]

Now, on the topic of Ronaldo, he is entering a very different PL to the one he left in 2009. In those last couple of season, the Man United team was built around Ronaldo. Tihs United is very different, it's much more focused on building slowly from defence, countering fast and relying on the through balls of Pogba..who let's be honest, is not the best when wearing the red jersey.

I can't imagine the system changing to facilitate Ronaldo, and I do not imagine he will play many 90 game matches.

I don't think Ronaldo will be too keen to sit on the bench. He will be looking to score hatricks against Leeds and Crystal Palace type teams. ManU offensive setup is not too different from Portugal's. Ronaldo will fit right in as striker, just like Lukaku in Chelsea.

 

[Mamoon]

Easily means with ease, no effort. 25 league goals is your minimum so in your mind he should score 35 at least, this is the record.

Ronaldo isnt the same player, he plays around the box. Time will tell if he scores 35 league goals and breaks the premier league record. He's not the best striker in the league lol. I advise you again, play the sport and attend matches, sitting on the sofa cheerleading is what made you look daft reg Arteta & you're doing it again. lol

Ronaldo, along with Lewandowski and Haaland, is the most lethal box player in the world today.

He will have no problem scoring 25-30 goals especially because of the amount of chances the other players will create for him. He is playing with a lot of quality.

He would have scored even more at City but he will still score 25-30 for United.

I don’t need lectures on football from someone who thinks Ronaldo will only score around 15 because apparently, 36 year old Ronaldo is inferior to the likes of Vardy, Bamford and Calvert-Lewin. )

 

[Waleed93]

Easily means with ease, no effort. 25 league goals is your minimum so in your mind he should score 35 at least, this is the record.

Ronaldo isnt the same player, he plays around the box. Time will tell if he scores 35 league goals and breaks the premier league record. He's not the best striker in the league lol. I advise you again, play the sport and attend matches, sitting on the sofa cheerleading is what made you look daft reg Arteta & you're doing it again. lol

Your argument would have made some sense, only if you had used a bit of common sense in it.

How can you expect Ronaldo to struggle in the same league where average/below average players rack up 15-17 goals ?

At the age of 36, he is still quite easily the best goalscorer/forward/player in the current Premier League, which tells as lot about both Ronaldo and the PL's level.

He is the same Ronaldo who scored 30 goals in 2 consecutive seasons with a non-existent Juventus midfield, so scoring 25 goals with such a creative United midfield should not be a huge problem.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Ronaldo, along with Lewandowski and Haaland, is the most lethal box player in the world today.

He will have no problem scoring 25-30 goals especially because of the amount of chances the other players will create for him. He is playing with a lot of quality.

He would have scored even more at City but he will still score 25-30 for United.

I don’t need lectures on football from someone who thinks Ronaldo will only score around 15 because apparently, 36 year old Ronaldo is inferior to the likes of Vardy, Bamford and Calvert-Lewin. )

lol. There is a huge difference from 15 PL goals to 35 PL goals. It doesnt matter if its Ronaldo or Maradonna, to score 35 PL goals in 2021 would be a huge achievement. The record is 32.

You couldnt even say over 30, had to give yourself a 10 goal leeway. )

What is you prediction with a 2 goal leeway? Is it 25-27 or 33-35 goals?

No offence but have you ever played 90 mins of football?

Your argument would have made some sense, only if you had used a bit of common sense in it.

How can you expect Ronaldo to struggle in the same league where average/below average players rack up 15-17 goals ?

At the age of 36, he is still quite easily the best goalscorer/forward/player in the current Premier League, which tells as lot about both Ronaldo and the PL's level.

He is the same Ronaldo who scored 30 goals in 2 consecutive seasons with a non-existent Juventus midfield, so scoring 25 goals with such a creative United midfield should not be a huge problem.

Premier League is not Serie A or La Liga. Those are much slower leagues, where you are less likely to get injured and are allowed more time on the ball.

Of course he's a great player but he's no spring chicken. If you watched the Euros or Juve last season, you'll see he doesnt run when his team hasnt the ball.

I dont think he will score 25+ PL goals. He may score 15-20 approx, if he has a good season. You say 25, lets see at the end of the season.

 

[Waleed93]

lol. There is a huge difference from 15 PL goals to 35 PL goals. It doesnt matter if its Ronaldo or Maradonna, to score 35 PL goals in 2021 would be a huge achievement. The record is 32.

You couldnt even say over 30, had to give yourself a 10 goal leeway. )

What is you prediction with a 2 goal leeway? Is it 25-27 or 33-35 goals?

No offence but have you ever played 90 mins of football?



Premier League is not Serie A or La Liga. Those are much slower leagues, where you are less likely to get injured and are allowed more time on the ball.

Of course he's a great player but he's no spring chicken. If you watched the Euros or Juve last season, you'll see he doesnt run when his team hasnt the ball.

I dont think he will score 25+ PL goals. He may score 15-20 approx, if he has a good season. You say 25, lets see at the end of the season.

Premier League is not Serie A or La Liga but the same Ronaldo already scored 31 league goals when he was going to enter his peak years, 42 goals in all competitions. Had he stayed in England throughout his peak years, he would have demolished English records the same way he broke almost every single record in La Liga alongside Messi.

He has never been an injury prone player. His work ethic has allowed his body to resist to almost any kind of serious injury threat. The comparison with Juve was to highlight the fact that he scored 30+ goals with the likes of Betancur, Rabiot and Ramsey, so scoring 25 goals with so much talent behind him is not going to be a big problem for him.

 

[mastimasti]

I don't think Ronaldo will be too keen to sit on the bench. He will be looking to score hatricks against Leeds and Crystal Palace type teams. ManU offensive setup is not too different from Portugal's. Ronaldo will fit right in as striker, just like Lukaku in Chelsea.

I think he'll be saved for the big matches and a bit part against the bottom 10 teams in the league. I guess he'll play the whole of the CL and maybe none of the FA Cup. I can't imagine he is coming over on a deal, at 36 years of age to play every minute.

 

[Mamoon]

I think he'll be saved for the big matches and a bit part against the bottom 10 teams in the league. I guess he'll play the whole of the CL and maybe none of the FA Cup. I can't imagine he is coming over on a deal, at 36 years of age to play every minute.

There is no way Ronaldo would agree to sit on the bench and play a bit-part role.

He is 36 but he is still fitter and better than almost everyone. He still has the desire to outscore everyone and win individual awards.

He would have never joined Man United without clarification on his role in the team.

He won’t play Carabao or the early rounds of FA Cup but there is no way he sits on the bench in the PL and the UCL.

 

[Mamoon]

[MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION]

I already made it clear, in multiple posts, that I expect Ronaldo to score 25-30 league goals this season provided that he doesn’t get injured.

However, you continue to run away from your statement that he will do well to score 15 goals.

Can you please clarify that part? Can you justify why Ronaldo will do well to score 15 when the likes of Vardy, Bamford, Calvert-Lewin, Watkins etc. are scoring 15 odd goals while playing for inferior teams?

Are you implying that today’s Ronaldo is so inferior to these strikers that he will not score more goals than them even while playing for a much better team?

You can finally muster the courage to explain this or you can also side-step this again. It is your choice.

However, as I said, maybe you should try stand-up comedy with such “analysis”.

 

[Waleed93]

I think he'll be saved for the big matches and a bit part against the bottom 10 teams in the league. I guess he'll play the whole of the CL and maybe none of the FA Cup. I can't imagine he is coming over on a deal, at 36 years of age to play every minute.

Ole has confirmed that Ronaldo is not coming to warm the bench.

He is starting almost every PL game and surely every match of the UCL.

 

[ishtiaq_ctg]

lol. There is a huge difference from 15 PL goals to 35 PL goals. It doesnt matter if its Ronaldo or Maradonna, to score 35 PL goals in 2021 would be a huge achievement. The record is 32.

You couldnt even say over 30, had to give yourself a 10 goal leeway. )

What is you prediction with a 2 goal leeway? Is it 25-27 or 33-35 goals?

No offence but have you ever played 90 mins of football?



Premier League is not Serie A or La Liga. Those are much slower leagues, where you are less likely to get injured and are allowed more time on the ball.

Of course he's a great player but he's no spring chicken. If you watched the Euros or Juve last season, you'll see he doesnt run when his team hasnt the ball.

I dont think he will score 25+ PL goals. He may score 15-20 approx, if he has a good season. You say 25, lets see at the end of the season.

Messi has 26 goals & 6 assists in 32 matches against top PL teams.

35 year old Zlatan scored 15+ goals not completing the season.

Suarez destroyed PL with a below per Liverpool.

False sense of defensive superiority of PL stems from watching below per attackers playing there for regular basis over the last 10 years.

Claiming PL to be a difficult league to score is absurd when non of Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, Benzema, Lewandowski, Suarez, Mbappe, Halaand, Griezmann, Muller have played in the PL in the recent history.

It's difficult to score in the PL because non of the world class attackers play there in their peak.

 

[mastimasti]

Ole has confirmed that Ronaldo is not coming to warm the bench.

He is starting almost every PL game and surely every match of the UCL.

We'll see...I'm a fan and thats exactly what I'd love to see.

 

[KingKhanWC]

[MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION]

I already made it clear, in multiple posts, that I expect Ronaldo to score 25-30 league goals this season provided that he doesn’t get injured.

However, you continue to run away from your statement that he will do well to score 15 goals.

Can you please clarify that part? Can you justify why Ronaldo will do well to score 15 when the likes of Vardy, Bamford, Calvert-Lewin, Watkins etc. are scoring 15 odd goals while playing for inferior teams?

Are you implying that today’s Ronaldo is so inferior to these strikers that he will not score more goals than them even while playing for a much better team?

You can finally muster the courage to explain this or you can also side-step this again. It is your choice.

However, as I said, maybe you should try stand-up comedy with such “analysis”.

I wrote 15 goals would be great, not he would do well. lol.

As I keep saying football isnt a game people who dont play or watch live can understand. What Vardy did or others has no bearing on Ronaldo, its a team game. Reading articles and cheerleading players from the sidelines shows a lack of understanding of the great game.

You claim Ronaldo will score 25+ goals, I believe he will score at most 20. Lets see at the end of the season. In the meantime buy yourself a football.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Messi has 26 goals & 6 assists in 32 matches against top PL teams.

35 year old Zlatan scored 15+ goals not completing the season.

Suarez destroyed PL with a below per Liverpool.

False sense of defensive superiority of PL stems from watching below per attackers playing there for regular basis over the last 10 years.

Claiming PL to be a difficult league to score is absurd when non of Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, Benzema, Lewandowski, Suarez, Mbappe, Halaand, Griezmann, Muller have played in the PL in the recent history.

It's difficult to score in the PL because non of the world class attackers play there in their peak.

Please give me the clubs & dates of when all these players have played in the Premier Leauge. )

 

[Waleed93]

I wrote 15 goals would be great, not he would do well. lol.

As I keep saying football isnt a game people who dont play or watch live can understand. What Vardy did or others has no bearing on Ronaldo, its a team game. Reading articles and cheerleading players from the sidelines shows a lack of understanding of the great game.

You claim Ronaldo will score 25+ goals, I believe he will score at most 20. Lets see at the end of the season. In the meantime buy yourself a football.

Exactly, it is a team game. And as I said earlier, Ronaldo, with absolutely no creativity behind him at Juventus, scored 30 goals in 2020-21.

The likes of Bruno, Pogba, Sancho and Shaw are too good and Ronaldo is the last player who will miss out on all those chances they will create for scoring.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Exactly, it is a team game. And as I said earlier, Ronaldo, with absolutely no creativity behind him at Juventus, scored 30 goals in 2020-21.

The likes of Bruno, Pogba, Sancho and Shaw are too good and Ronaldo is the last player who will miss out on all those chances they will create for scoring.

Sure, you think he will score 30 league goals, I dont. We will see.

I then assume you also now believe Utd will win the PL with Ronaldo?

 

[Waleed93]

Sure, you think he will score 30 league goals, I dont. We will see.

I then assume you also now believe Utd will win the PL with Ronaldo?

I expect him to reach 25 goals.

United have surely boosted their chances for the title, not only because of Ronaldo's arrival, but also because of a few other marquee signings.

Sancho and Varane will add a lot of quality in an already very creative squad. I expect this title race to be way closer than the last 2 seasons when the winner was decided before the 2nd half of the season even started.

Overall, the trophy is staying in Manchester. It remains to be seen which one takes it.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I expect him to reach 25 goals.

United have surely boosted their chances for the title, not only because of Ronaldo's arrival, but also because of a few other marquee signings.

Sancho and Varane will add a lot of quality in an already very creative squad. I expect this title race to be way closer than the last 2 seasons when the winner was decided before the 2nd half of the season even started.

Overall, the trophy is staying in Manchester. It remains to be seen which one takes it.

25 lets see. I think it will be lower.

As a Man Utd fan, you have spent over half a billion net spend over the last few years. Who else do you need to beat City? LFC lost by 1 point, the season after won the league by a huge margin. Do Utd fans want Mbappe and Neymar too to win the league? lol

 

[Waleed93]

25 lets see. I think it will be lower.

As a Man Utd fan, you have spent over half a billion net spend over the last few years. Who else do you need to beat City? LFC lost by 1 point, the season after won the league by a huge margin. Do Utd fans want Mbappe and Neymar too to win the league? lol

I am not a United fan. I support Madrid.

United have spent nothing compared to what Pep and City have spent in recent years. They have spent close to 1 billion net to achieve their dream, win the UCL for once.

As far as Liverpool are concerned, well it's understandable for you to celebrate the only league title you won in 30 years. They have been far from impressive after their purple patch of 2018-2020.

They are finishing below both United and City this year for sure, and I see Chelsea finishing above them as well. They will probably end up 4th and secure UCL football next year, so not a bad season for them.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I am not a United fan. I support Madrid.

United have spent nothing compared to what Pep and City have spent in recent years. They have spent close to 1 billion net to achieve their dream, win the UCL for once.

As far as Liverpool are concerned, well it's understandable for you to celebrate the only league title you won in 30 years. They have been far from impressive after their purple patch of 2018-2020.

They are finishing below both United and City this year for sure, and I see Chelsea finishing above them as well. They will probably end up 4th and secure UCL football next year, so not a bad season for them.

You live in Madrid?

In the last 5 years Utd have a £100 million more net spend than City, not sure where you get your data from.

LFC finished a couple of points below Utd while playing average football. 30 years has long gone, we have won the CL too recently, while Utd havent won even a mickey mouse cup with Ole.

You cannot even say Utd will win the league and as for the title staying in Manchester, this is strange as Utd havent won it years, only City have.

We will see at the end of the season.

 

[Waleed93]

You live in Madrid?

In the last 5 years Utd have a £100 million more net spend than City, not sure where you get your data from.

LFC finished a couple of points below Utd while playing average football. 30 years has long gone, we have won the CL too recently, while Utd havent won even a mickey mouse cup with Ole.

You cannot even say Utd will win the league and as for the title staying in Manchester, this is strange as Utd havent won it years, only City have.

We will see at the end of the season.

I don't live in Madrid. I have been a Real Madrid fan since years though.

No. Manchester City have spent close to 1 billion euros in recent years, and they even got caught in the Financial Fair-Play controversy.

Both United and Liverpool were playing crap football a few years ago. It was only in 2018 that LFC finally became the giant they once were, but it now looks more like a 2 year purple patch than some kind of domination, as they have been inconsistent and borderline mediocre after their UCL and league victory.

Consistency matters and this is the difference between dominators like Barcelona (2009-2015), Madrid (2012-2018), United (1999-2009) and fluke runs like Liverpool (2018-2020).

 

[KingKhanWC]

I don't live in Madrid. I have been a Real Madrid fan since years though.

No. Manchester City have spent close to 1 billion euros in recent years, and they even got caught in the Financial Fair-Play controversy.

Both United and Liverpool were playing crap football a few years ago. It was only in 2018 that LFC finally became the giant they once were, but it now looks more like a 2 year purple patch than some kind of domination, as they have been inconsistent and borderline mediocre after their UCL and league victory.

Consistency matters and this is the difference between dominators like Barcelona (2009-2015), Madrid (2012-2018), United (1999-2009) and fluke runs like Liverpool (2018-2020).

Didnt think you did. Why not support an English team if you live in England. I cant imaigine you've been to Madrid to watch many games.

Here are the details from 1st August, not inc Ronaldo.

1) Manchester United: £-457.6m
21/22: £-76.5m
20/21: £-58.32m (2nd)
19/20: £-138.24m (3rd)
18/19: £-46.94m (6th)
17/18: £-137.61m (2nd)

2) Manchester City: £-357.31m
21/22: £34.92m
20/21: £-90.14m (Champions)
19/20: £-79.67m (2nd)
18/19: £-18.89m (Champions)
17/18: £-203.54m (Champions)

Its just your imagination LFC have declined. There is no such thing as a purple patch over 3 years lol.

Flukes again is a term of those who have no clue of football, thanks for informing you. Bump this at the end of the season, you dont have a scooby doo imo.

 

[Waleed93]

Didnt think you did. Why not support an English team if you live in England. I cant imaigine you've been to Madrid to watch many games.

Here are the details from 1st August, not inc Ronaldo.

1) Manchester United: £-457.6m
21/22: £-76.5m
20/21: £-58.32m (2nd)
19/20: £-138.24m (3rd)
18/19: £-46.94m (6th)
17/18: £-137.61m (2nd)

2) Manchester City: £-357.31m
21/22: £34.92m
20/21: £-90.14m (Champions)
19/20: £-79.67m (2nd)
18/19: £-18.89m (Champions)
17/18: £-203.54m (Champions)

Its just your imagination LFC have declined. There is no such thing as a purple patch over 3 years lol.

Flukes again is a term of those who have no clue of football, thanks for informing you. Bump this at the end of the season, you dont have a scooby doo imo.

I don't live in England. I live in France and I have been to the Bernabeu several times to watch live games.

I have numerous websites claiming that Manchester City actually spent over 1 billion euros since Pep's arrival, which was the reason why they got involved in the FFP scandal.

Liverpool have declined and it is a fact. They won the UCL and the league title at a time when they actually were the best team in the world.

However, the very next year, they struggled to even qualify for the UCL and spent majority of their season between 5th and 7th positions before a late surge helped them to a UCL ticket.

Flukes do happen in football, like in every sport, and looking at how LFC have done since 2019, it looks like another classic case of a fluke, unless they win another league title in next 30 years.

 

[MenInG]

Brazil legend Pele sent a good luck message on social media to Cristiano Ronaldo after his transfer from Juventus back to Manchester United was confirmed.

Ronaldo's return to Old Trafford was made official on Deadline Day, and the five-time Balon d'Or winner posted an emotional message to the fans saying he is back where he belongs.

Pele commented on the Portugal star's post: "There is no better feeling than conquering the world and returning home. Always be happy, Cristiano."

Ronaldo scored 118 goals in 292 games for United between 2003 and 2009, winning three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup and two League Cups.

"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 said.

"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."

Pele said on Tuesday that he was undergoing routine exams in hospital and that he was in good health, denying a report of a more serious health issue.

He wrote on social media: "Guys, I didn't faint and I'm in very good health. I went for my routine exams, which I had not been able to do before because of the pandemic."

A representative for Pele said he would be released from the hospital on Tuesday.

The 78-year-old had received treatment in hospital in Paris back in April after suffering from a severe urinary infection.

SKY

 

[KingKhanWC]

I don't live in England. I live in France and I have been to the Bernabeu several times to watch live games.

I have numerous websites claiming that Manchester City actually spent over 1 billion euros since Pep's arrival, which was the reason why they got involved in the FFP scandal.

Liverpool have declined and it is a fact. They won the UCL and the league title at a time when they actually were the best team in the world.

However, the very next year, they struggled to even qualify for the UCL and spent majority of their season between 5th and 7th positions before a late surge helped them to a UCL ticket.

Flukes do happen in football, like in every sport, and looking at how LFC have done since 2019, it looks like another classic case of a fluke, unless they win another league title in next 30 years.

Ill try again.

Which websites?

Fours years running qualifying , winning CL and PL, finishing 2nd one point behind City is not a fluke or purple patch.. lol

 

[Technics 1210]

Here's the funny thing.

Messi scoring vs PL teams while playing for Barcelona is not the same as Messi scoring vs PL teams while playing for a PL team.

As KKWC says, go watch football while living in England.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Here's the funny thing.

Messi scoring vs PL teams while playing for Barcelona is not the same as Messi scoring vs PL teams while playing for a PL team.

As KKWC says, go watch football while living in England.

I had to read it 3/4 times, thought I was losing the plot

For those who are still confused, Playing in the PL is not the same as playing against a PL team. PL is the toughest league, not because its the most physical but also becuase of the fixture congestion.

This season PL is even more physical than ever before.

In other news, Ronaldo has just missed a penalty for Portugal.

 

[Greenstorm]

I expect him to reach 25 goals.

United have surely boosted their chances for the title, not only because of Ronaldo's arrival, but also because of a few other marquee signings.

Sancho and Varane will add a lot of quality in an already very creative squad. I expect this title race to be way closer than the last 2 seasons when the winner was decided before the 2nd half of the season even started.

Overall, the trophy is staying in Manchester. It remains to be seen which one takes it.

You are underestimating Chelsea and Liverpool. Despite the arrival of Varane and Ronaldo (Sancho seems like the usual overrated English player), United have not addressed their main issue which is midfield. They desperately needed a quality DM which they could not acquire and for some reason, Van de Beek cannot get into the XI !

1. Man City
2. Chelsea
3. Liverpool
4. Man Utd
5. Spurs

This is how I see their chances of winning PL this season.

 

[Greenstorm]

I had to read it 3/4 times, thought I was losing the plot

For those who are still confused, Playing in the PL is not the same as playing against a PL team. PL is the toughest league, not because its the most physical but also becuase of the fixture congestion.

This season PL is even more physical than ever before.

In other news, Ronaldo has just missed a penalty for Portugal.

In your love of premier league, you are seriously underrating two GOATs in Messi and Ronaldo.

 

[KingKhanWC]

In your love of premier league, you are seriously underrating two GOATs in Messi and Ronaldo.

Not at all. Ive seen them both play.

However they are coming to the end of their careers. PL now is so physical, like never before. Both would still do great but wont do anywhere near what they have done for Madrid and Barca. They are not the best players in the world at this current time.

 

[Waleed93]

Ill try again.

Which websites?

Fours years running qualifying , winning CL and PL, finishing 2nd one point behind City is not a fluke or purple patch.. lol

Qualifying for the UCL is not considered as an achievement, a club as big as Liverpool should be able to qualify without having to suffer like they did in the previous season.

As I said, they were the best team in the world for that small period of time (2019-2020).

Anyways, if they manage to have a great season this time around, I will happily concede and acknowledge the fact that their league win in 2020 was not a fluke. However, if they just about manage to sneak in the UCL, then you will understand that they are on a decline and their best days were very short compared to the peak Madrid, Barca, United, Milan or Bayern days.

 

[Waleed93]

I had to read it 3/4 times, thought I was losing the plot

For those who are still confused, Playing in the PL is not the same as playing against a PL team. PL is the toughest league, not because its the most physical but also becuase of the fixture congestion.

This season PL is even more physical than ever before.

In other news, Ronaldo has just missed a penalty for Portugal.

The PL's toughest era started in the late 90s and ended in the late 2000s/early 2010s. During those days, the league was at it's peak from a physical point of view and on another level compared to what we are seeing in today's PL.

You just have to take the best PL defenders of the late 2000s and compare them to today's defenders.

Players like Ronaldo, Henry, Drogba, Rooney were literally getting kicked, fouled and tackled without mercy during those days. No defender in today's PL can even think about doing that kind of dirty defending without getting a straight red. The game has gone soft everywhere, including in England.

Despite that, Henry literally owned the PL, winning the Golden Boot several times, and Ronaldo recorded the best ever individual season on English soil. They literally dominated PL at it's peak.

PS: In other news, Ronaldo just scored two late winners for Portugal.

 

[KingKhanWC]

The PL's toughest era started in the late 90s and ended in the late 2000s/early 2010s. During those days, the league was at it's peak from a physical point of view and on another level compared to what we are seeing in today's PL.

You just have to take the best PL defenders of the late 2000s and compare them to today's defenders.

Players like Ronaldo, Henry, Drogba, Rooney were literally getting kicked, fouled and tackled without mercy during those days. No defender in today's PL can even think about doing that kind of dirty defending without getting a straight red. The game has gone soft everywhere, including in England.

Despite that, Henry literally owned the PL, winning the Golden Boot several times, and Ronaldo recorded the best ever individual season on English soil. They literally dominated PL at it's peak.

PS: In other news, Ronaldo just scored two late winners for Portugal.

Ive been attending games all over England since I was a child. We dont need to go back to the 90's, because then we can go back to the 70's. Perhaps you're not aware but PL refs have changed their guidelines when dealing with physical challenges. This is a huge difference to last season or 20 years ago. Ronaldo and the lot you mentioned are 2000's players, they might have been kicked but free kicks were given. This is the point, they will always be hard tackles in the Prem , always have benn but it's the outcome which is the point. I shouldnt have to spell this out to any knowledgable fan.

I know, it was a great effort against Ireland, stronger challenges are coming. :vvd

 

[Waleed93]

You are underestimating Chelsea and Liverpool. Despite the arrival of Varane and Ronaldo (Sancho seems like the usual overrated English player), United have not addressed their main issue which is midfield. They desperately needed a quality DM which they could not acquire and for some reason, Van de Beek cannot get into the XI !

1. Man City
2. Chelsea
3. Liverpool
4. Man Utd
5. Spurs

This is how I see their chances of winning PL this season.

United's midfield is overall quite balanced, but yes, they absolutely need a DM as soon as possible because the likes of Fred are definitely not going to help, especially when a title competititor like Chelsea has someone like Kante at the same position.

I am not underrating Chelsea. In fact, I genuinely believe that they are serious title contenders. They required a lethal and reliable goalscorer and Lukaku's return will surely give them a big boost.

Tuchel has done a terrific job in his short stint and he is quite easily the best manager in the world right now.

As of now, anyone between City, United and Chelsea can take it all. They will be the top 3 quite surely in my opinion, followed by Liverpool or Tottenham.

 

[shaz619]

The PL's toughest era started in the late 90s and ended in the late 2000s/early 2010s. During those days, the league was at it's peak from a physical point of view and on another level compared to what we are seeing in today's PL.

You just have to take the best PL defenders of the late 2000s and compare them to today's defenders.

Players like Ronaldo, Henry, Drogba, Rooney were literally getting kicked, fouled and tackled without mercy during those days. No defender in today's PL can even think about doing that kind of dirty defending without getting a straight red. The game has gone soft everywhere, including in England.

Despite that, Henry literally owned the PL, winning the Golden Boot several times, and Ronaldo recorded the best ever individual season on English soil. They literally dominated PL at it's peak.

PS: In other news, Ronaldo just scored two late winners for Portugal.

It’s a tall task in the toughest league in the world but with all the odds stacked against him, if there were such a player in this situation and circumstances who could possibly exceed the 15 goal target then the guy to do it would be CR7

 

[MenInG]

Cristiano Ronaldo has been released early from the Portugal squad after picking up a suspension ahead of his Manchester United return.

The 36-year-old scored a world record 110th international goal as he fired Portugal to a dramatic victory over the Republic of Ireland in Wednesday's World Cup Qualifier.

Ronaldo's record goal cancelled out John Egan's opener with just a minute remaining at the Estadio Algarve, and he then completed the job with his 111th in stoppage time to seal a 2-1 win.

But after removing his shirt in celebration he was cautioned by Slovenian referee Matej Jug and, having been booked earlier in the campaign, is suspended for Tuesday night's trip to Azerbaijan.

A statement on the Portuguese Football Federation's official website said: "Cristiano Ronaldo was excused from the stage of the national team this Thursday.

"The yellow card seen against Ireland, being the second in this stage of qualification, forces him to fulfil an official game of suspension, which will happen against Azerbaijan."

Cristiano Ronaldo described it as a 'special moment', after his record-breaking goals secured a 2-1 win for Portugal over Republic of Ireland.

Ronaldo's release means he will also miss Saturday's friendly against World Cup hosts Qatar in Hungary, although there is no indication as yet as to when he will join up with United after signing for the club for a second time earlier this week.
Ronaldo has expressed his delight to be back "home" at United and is hungry to create more history with the club.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner's return to Old Trafford was made official on Tuesday morning, as he signed a two-year deal with the option to extend for a further year.

Ronaldo scored a total of 551 club goals across spells at Real Madrid and Juventus after leaving United in 2009, and in an interview with the club, the 36-year-old said it is now the right moment for him to return.

Former England manager Steve McClaren says Cristiano Ronaldo is the sort of signing that can help Manchester United win the Premier League title.

Ronaldo told the official Manchester United website: "I have a fantastic history with this amazing club. I was there at 18 years old and of course I'm so happy to be back home after 12 years. So I'm really glad and looking forward to starting my first game.

"I think it's the best decision that I have made. It's right on point in my opinion.

"I moved from Juve now to Manchester, it's a new chapter, I'm so happy and glad, and I want to carry on again, to make history, to try to help Manchester achieve great results, to win trophies and number one of them, to win great things."

SKY

 

[Saj]

Cristiano Ronaldo will wear the number seven shirt for Manchester United, the club has confirmed.

The 36-year-old takes the number, which he wore in his first stint at Old Trafford, from Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani - who moves to number 21.

Ronaldo will begin training with the Reds when he has completed five days isolation.

On Thursday, he was released early from international duty by Portugal because of suspension.

"The Portuguese superstar famously wore the legendary shirt number during his first spell at United and we can now confirm that Ronaldo will have it on his back once again," United said on their website.

Ronaldo completed a shock move back to Old Trafford on transfer deadline day and is in line to make his second debut for the Red Devils against Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday, 11 September.

Ronaldo became the all-time leading men's international goalscorer with two goals against the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday, but was booked by the referee for removing his shirt.

Ronaldo scored two late headers to take his tally to 111 for Portugal, surpassing the record previously held by Ali Daei, who scored 109 goals for Iran between 1993 and 2006.