“There have been a few players described as ‘the new George Best’ over the years, but this is the first time it’s been a compliment to me” – Little did the Manchester United fans know when their much adored, the legendary George Best had uttered these words while watching the Manchester United debut of a skinny 18-year-old Portuguese boy, that he would go on to take the world by storm, conquering everything there is to conquer in the beautiful game of football.
Back then Cristiano Ronaldo was not a household name but on his August 2003 debut against Bolton, the now five-time FIFA Ballon d’Or winner did not take long to lay a marker for what was to follow. Unfortunately, Best wasn’t able to see Ronaldo realize his potential and become the greatest player in world football, breaking records for fun, writing his own legacy, and rightfully taking from Best, the mantle of the best winger the Manchester Club, if not the planet has ever seen.
Well, it is time for some throwback as we relive three of the most memorable and remarkable performances by Cristiano Ronaldo wearing the famous number 7 shirt for the Red Devils.
3) Manchester United vs Bolton Wanderers (August 2003)
George Best termed Ronaldo’s United debut ‘the most exciting one’ he had ever seen while he was on the pitch for only half an hour. Ronaldo came on after an hour from the start, when United were leading by a goal and terrorized the Bolton defence with the sheer exuberance of youth and unmatched speed, power, trickery (remember those stepovers?), and lightning-quick feet.
When the 18-year-old was done with Bolton, the final score read United 4 – Bolton 0 and it could have been a lot worse. Cristiano Ronaldo had officially announced his arrival. The fans had found a new number 7 to sing for after David Beckham.
2) Manchester United vs Roma (April 2007)
This was one of Ronaldo’s greatest Champions League performances at Old Trafford after United had lost the away leg 1-2. A scintillating second leg display by Manchester United saw them shred Roma apart to reach the Champions League semi-finals and Ronaldo was at the core of the United charge as United netted a couple of early goals, one of which was assisted by Ronnie.
Wayne Rooney netted the third before Ronaldo made it 4-0 before the break with a picture-perfect finish into the bottom corner. Just after the break, Ronaldo, who was on top of the opposition on the night, slid home a sublime Ryan Giggs cross, netting a brace before Carrick and Evra scored again, finishing off a remarkable European night for United.
1) Manchester United Vs Arsenal (July 2009)
This was the second leg of the 2009 Champions League semi-final where United were facing Arsenal at the Emirates after settling for a 1-1 tie at home in the first leg. Ronaldo looked dangerously potent throughout the game and was directly involved in all three goals that Manchester United scored. He turned provider for Ji-Sung Park’s goal with a beautifully swung first-time left-footed delivery.
Then he went for the jugular, killing the game with a brace as he finished off a brilliant United counter-attack and added another from his signature, an exquisite 40-yard knuckleball free-kick that Almunia had absolutely no clue about; single-handedly carrying Manchester United into their second consecutive Champions League Final.
