Manchester United secure their first ever win after Cristiano Ronaldo scored late in his side’s 2-1 victory over Villarreal in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has revealed Cristiano Ronaldo texted him following the club’s vital 2-1 win over Villarreal on Wednesday night.
It was yet another laborious performance from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. But that won’t matter, with the Red Devils claiming all three points from a sensational contest.
We're now on WhatsApp. Click here to join.
Paco Alcacer struck in the 53rd minute for Villareal to take the lead. United then drew level through Alex Telles, who expertly volleyed in Bruno Fernandes’ deft free-kick to get Old Trafford rocking.
The five time Ballon d’Or winner smashed home following good work from Jesse Lingard inside the box to complete a dramatic comeback in stoppage time on Wednessday.
Man United now have three points in 3rd position of the table, Young Boys 2nd with 3points, group leaders Atalanta with 4 points whiles Villarreal sits on bottom with 1 point.
The Portuguese captain had an underwhelming game but his goal proved his ability to win a match which save the Red Devils from another draw game with the Spanish giants.
He recognized his own disappointment performance in a text to Rio Ferdinand, admitting he didn’t play well, but saying he knew he’d score.
The former Man United defender was equally delighted, revealing the match winner sent him a text after the game saying,
“He (Ronaldo) text me tonight saying ”I didn’t’ play well but I knew I’d score’” he said on BT Sport.
“That’s the belief that he has. The other players are feeding off it. It’s a great place to be.
“United’s performance today wasn’t great, it wasn’t at the level Ole wants it to be.
“But when you need a goal, a moment to galvanize the squad, the stadium, the fanbase, Cristiano Ronaldo steps up.
“He wants to be that guy the chance falls to. His goal record says it all. He’s there for the big moments. He’s a big part of that too.
“When you have a player like Cristiano Ronaldo, the players in the dressing room are given life.
“There’s a lease of life, belief, because they know if the chance comes, he will put them away.
“It gives you that ability to be relaxed. It was the biggest thing in our team.
“When you get under even more pressure and you can see the clock ticking, you don’t panic. We were very composed because we believed the chances would come.”
Solskjaer beamed on the touchline as Ronaldo came to his rescue and waxed lyrical over his former team-mate in his post-match interview.
“He’s done that so many times,” Solskjaer said.
“To get the three points at home is important. We know we need to get to ten, maybe 12 points to go through. It’s a massive result for the team and for the spirit of the team as well.
It’s a better way of winning a game than how we lost a few weeks ago. But that’s football, it’s just highs and lows and today we get a result that we’re delighted about.
“I’d rather have a win and a defeat than two draws.”
