Man Utd 3 - 2 Atalanta: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer post-match press conference
Manchester United megastar Cristiano Ronaldo will have the opportunity to rub salt in Jurgen Klopp’s wounds after the German spoke ruefully of the Portuguese’s return to Old Trafford during the summer. United and Liverpool are set to do battle on Sunday in a traditionally fiery encounter, and the stakes will be high as both sides are buoyed by lofty ambitions this season.
Ronaldo was central to Wednesday night’s Champions League drama when his late header sealed a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
Atalanta had raced into a 2-0 lead, prompting a chorus of boos from the disgruntled crowd by half time, but the Red Devils responded after the break.
Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire also got themselves on a scoresheet during an unforgettable night for United players and fans.
Having been beaten convincingly by Leicester City just a few days before, the importance of that win cannot be understated.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winning goal against Atalanta (Image: GETTY)
Ronaldo sank to his knees in jubilation at full time to the inevitable displeasure of Premier League rivals - Klopp no doubt included.
After deadline day, the German admitted to Sky Sports: "Am I happy that he is at United? No, I can't say that.
“I was surprised, not about United, him going in there in the end, but when I first heard the rumours about him wanting to leave Juventus.
“I had no idea about that. I am not in the Juventus circle when people inform me from time to time about what is going on there, so I was surprised about that.
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“He was going to City and I thought 'oh, that could be fun for United' and then, obviously, United stepped in and did it.”
On an individual level at least, Ronaldo has hit the ground running since his return to Old Trafford.
An impressive total of six goals across eight games is a testament to that, proving Klopp correct to have spoken regretfully of his arrival at one of Liverpool’s fiercest foes.
Luckily for the Reds boss, he has his own superstar who is arguably outperforming Ronaldo at the moment.
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Jurgen Klopp will attempt to defend Liverpool's unbeaten Premier League record on Sunday (Image: GETTY)
Indeed, Victor Lindelof and a semi-fit Harry Maguire will have a daunting task on their hands to keep a rampant Mohamed Salah at bay as the Egyptian has already scored or assisted 16 times across all competitions.
At least a crucial Champions League victory over Atalanta will have taken some of the pressure off Solskjaer ahead of the crunch tie.
If recent games are anything to go by, the Norwegian may have to call on Ronaldo once again if they are to cause an upset against the only remaining unbeaten side in the Premier League.