Cristiano Ronaldo’s first goal on Man Utd return in pictures
Cristiano Ronaldo was understood to be livid after being benched by Manchester United on Saturday. However, that didn’t stop the Portugal international from jubilantly celebrating Anthony Martial’s goal against Everton. The forward is now up and running for the campaign, having last scored eight months ago.
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“Well Wednesday night was a big effort, a big emotional and physical output,” he said.
“So we needed to freshen it up.
“When it’s an early kick off the start of this game is going to be important and we’ve got some very good players coming on as well.
“It’s a team we think is going to take charge of the game.”
United legend Rio Ferdinand reacted by saying: "You rest Ronaldo at times, you expect to be rested at 36, you’ve got international games after this I think one of them is a friendly match against Qatar, you don’t need to play there then you’ve got Luxembourg.
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated Anthony Martial's goal in Man Utd vs Everton (Image: GETTY)
"He’s bringing in Cavani, he’s not bringing in someone substandard, he’s bringing in someone who got goals last season who’s a fantastic player, a leader as well.
"More surprising for me is Martial coming in instead of someone like Lingard.
"He’s resting, shuffling the pack with Sancho but I think Lingard does deserve to start and I think he’ll feel aggrieved that he’s not starting after what he’s been producing as an impact player, I’d be surprised.
And former Arsenal star Martin Keown also weighed in.
Cristiano Ronaldo saved Man Utd in the week (Image: GETTY)
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“Everyone is really disappointed, he’s brought something really special to the club,” he said.
“But he’s 36 years of age you can’t maybe expect him to play every game.
“Cavani is a player who I think is special as well, he made a big difference when he came on, chasing after balls he had no right to.