Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised his match-winner Cristiano Ronaldo after he scored the crucial goal to seal a comeback win over Atalanta.
It was a happy ending for Manchester United fans on Wednesday night. Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his critics with a match-winning performance against Atalanta. Manchester United found themselves in a difficult spot after trailing by two goals at half-time. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side came out of the tunnel more charged up and produced a scintillating attacking performance.
Marcus Rashford opened the floodgates as he pulled one back before being substituted. Skipper Harry Maguire then equalised, setting the stage nicely up for a grandstand finish, which Ronaldo provided in style. The Portuguese attacker rose high to finish with a trademark header and give Manchester United all three points.
Going by the score at half-time, Manchester United were facing the prospect of a fifth loss in eight games. After receiving heavy criticism for recent results, the pressure was on the manager, particularly after the Leicester City loss.
However, the comeback win gives United some comfort in their group, as they sit on top with six points from three games. The Red Devils should now make amends and keep up the performances to finish as group winners heading into the next phase of the Champions League.
Manager Solskjaer was happy with the performance and praised match-winner Ronaldo for leading the line well. Speaking after the game to Sky Sports, the Manchester United boss was impressed at the Portuguese’s contribution in the match and hailed his qualities in the final third.
Solskjaer said, “I was really, really pleased with how he led the line. As a centre forward, we asked him to run the channels, drop in, press more because we’re at home, of course. We want to get the crowd behind us.”
“Even he was down inside his own six-yard box towards the end defending; you could see him sprinting. He did everything a centre forward should be doing, leading the line and defending.”
“If anyone wants to criticise him for work rate or attitude, just watch this game. Watch how he runs around. And of course, the goal is just what he does better than most. The header is not on a par with his Roma one, but he’s still got a leap and timing like no-one else.”
Manchester United and Ronaldo needed such a victory heading into a tough phase of their season. They will face Liverpool this Sunday. After that, Solskjaer’s men face Tottenham, Atalanta and Manchester City between next Sunday and 6th November, thereby setting up a litmus test for the Red Devils.
