Cristiano Ronaldo's greatest Manchester United moments
£80m man returns to Old Trafford for the first time since joining Real Madrid
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Cristiano Ronaldo will return to Old Trafford after a four-year absence on March 5 after Real Madrid were drawn against Manchester United in the first knockout round of the Champions League.
Even though he will be wearing opposition colours, Ronaldo is assured of a warm welcome from the United faithful as a mark of recognition for his six-season stint that brought three Premier League titles, the Champions League and saw him crowned world player of the year.
Here we take a look at the stand-out moments of Ronaldo's time with the Red Devils.
16 August 2003
Ronaldo makes debut as a second-half substitute in Premier League game with Bolton. Immediately makes an impact, showing off his array of tricks to inspire the Red Devils to another three goals and a 4-0 win.
22 May 2004
Scores opening goal as United beat Millwall in the FA Cup final. It is his first major honour in England.
14 January 2006
Sent off in Manchester derby for kicking Andy Cole.
26 February 2006
Secures second piece of silverware as a United player, again finding the target in a 4-0 Carling Cup triumph over Wigan in Cardiff.
July 2006
After playing a controversial role in Wayne Rooney's dismissal at the World Cup, Ronaldo seems to be heading for the United exit door. But Sir Alex Ferguson flies to see Ronaldo and talks the winger round.
December 2006
Becomes only the third player to secure back-to-back Premier League player of the month awards.
24 February 2007
Brilliant late solo goal at Fulham secures a comeback win which puts United on course for the first championship of Ronaldo's time with the club.
5 May 2007
Scores 50th United goal to give his side victory at Manchester City as Red Devils secure title for first time in four years.
2007
Becomes only second player to win PFA Players' Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year awards in same year.
30 January 2008
Staggering free-kick against Portsmouth is quite probably the best goal of his entire time at Old Trafford.
21 May 2008
Scores 42nd goal of a staggering season to give United lead in Champions League final. But then misses penalty in shoot-out before Red Devils eventually overcome Chelsea.
2 December 2008
Crowned Ballon D'Or winner as best player in the world.
18 December 2009
After turning down a move to Real Madrid in the summer, speculation about another bid for Ronaldo begins to mount. Ferguson amusingly declares: "I wouldn't sell them a virus."
8 January 2009
Writes off his Ferrari in an accident on his way to training. He is uninjured.
15 April 2009
Gets only goal in Champions League quarter-final against Porto, a staggering 40-yard strike that is the major rival to that Portsmouth goal.
27 May 2009
Booked in his final game, a 2-0 Champions League final defeat to Barcelona in Rome.
11 June 2009
United accept world record £80million offer from Real Madrid.
Appearances: 292.
Goals: 118.
Honours: Premier League: 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09.
FA Cup: 2003-04.
Football League Cup: 2005-06, 2008-09.
Community Shield: 2007.
Champions League: 2007-08.
FIFA Club World Cup: 2008.
PFA Players' Player of the Year: 2006-07, 2007-08.
PFA Young Player of the Year: 2006-07.
FWA Footballer of the Year: 2006-07, 2007-08.
Premier League Golden Boot: 2007-08.
Ballon d'Or: 2008.
FIFA World Player of the Year: 2008.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments