Champions League

USAIN BOLT personally thanked Sir Alex Ferguson for Cristiano Ronaldo’s return as the sprint legend watched Manchester United comeback to beat Villarreal.Huge Red Devils’ fan Bolt was back at Old Trafford after a lengthy absence and made a beeline for Fergie.
The Red Devils were quick to mark to mark Usain Bolt’s latest appearance at Old Trafford, for Wednesday night’s Champions League tie vs Villarreal
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a stunning late winner as Man Utd completed a comeback to winCredit: EPA
Usain Bolt watched on nervously during United’s ding-dong tie with Villarreal
Legendary ex-United boss Ferguson helped secure 36-year-old Ron’s shock re-signing from Juventus on deadline.day.
And eight-time Olympic gold medallist Bolt was thrilled to finally see a United game as he is excited by Ron’s return.
He told United’s media team before kick-off: “He helped to build the club and it was wonderful when he was here, the energy. So I’m happy he’s back. 
“I just saw Alex Ferguson inside and I thanked him for bringing Cristiano back, so I’m happy about it.
“I’m happy to be here, I haven’t been back to Old Trafford in a while.
“So I’m just happy to be here in the stands with everybody to watch the game.”

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Bolt has already predicted Portugal and ex-Real Madrid frontman Ronaldo will play another six years.
The Jamaican told the BBC: “Cristiano demands a lot, so he will demand a lot from these players and it will only make them better. 
“He’s on a different level, he is a machine.
“I think he will play until he’s 42 because he will always be so fit and on a higher level to a lot of the younger players because of the work he puts in and the dedication he has.”
Bolt won’t have been disappointed by what he saw.

After Paco Alcacer gave Villarreal a deserved lead, Alex Telles equalised with a stunning volley.
As United pushed and pushed for a winner, it looked like they would have to settle for a point.
But then Ronaldo popped up in the 95th minute to fire home and send Old Trafford crazy.
⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
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DAVID DE GEA was the ‘best goalkeeper in the world’ as Manchester United beat Villarreal in the Champions League on Wednesday.That is according to Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who heaped praise on the Spaniard after the dramatic late win at Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has heaped praise on David De Gea after his stunning showing against Villarreal
The Spaniard’s saves kept United in the game and provided a platform for them to win 2-1
SunSport’s reporter gave the stopper a 9/10 after his heroics kept United in the game until the death.
Cristiano Ronaldo stole the headlines with his winner in the final seconds but Solskjaer admitted his goalkeeper was the real hero.
The Norwegian said: “Thankfully we had the best goalkeeper in the world tonight.
“David was fantastic and deserved to be man of the match. He saved us, we have to be realistic and say that.”
The 30-year-old came in for criticism last season after several high profile mistakes and pressure from Dean Henderson.
But most pundits seemed to have changed their tune after De Gea’s rapid turnaround.

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Owen Hargreaves said in the BT Sport studio on Wednesday: “He made so many big saves.
“De Gea was one of the most important players and he’s been fabulous this season, obviously taking over from Henderson.
“They can rely on him, he’s back to his best.”
And Michael Owen added: “He (De Gea) relied on his defence in the second-half, but first-half it was save after save and that’s when he really did earn his corn.”

United had De Gea and Villarreal’s awful finishing to thank for being level at half-time in what was a worrying first 45 for the Red Devils.
De Gea made a phenomenal one handed save on nine minutes from former Bournemouth man Arnaut Danjuma.
He showed superb reflexes seven minutes later to tip a Paco Alcacer header over the bar.
Alcacer finally got the goal the visitors deserved – stabbing a Danjuma cross home at the near post barely ten minutes after half-time.
De Gea couldn’t do anything with Villarreal’s goal.
And he capped of an excellent night with an awkward double stop in the closing stages to keep it at 1-1 before Ronnie’s winner.
MOBBED AT FULL TIME
Ronaldo and his United team-mates mobbed De Gea at full time to show their appreciation.
After praising his goalie for keeping United in the game, Solskjaer also admitted he never gave up hope with Ronaldo on the pitch.
He added: “We all know the Champions League at Old Trafford is magic, and sometimes that history can help us.
“Sometimes it is not about passes here or there, it is about the crowd and the Stretford End has sucked a few in before, I know that. That is probably what happened.
“That is what happens here at Old Trafford, it’s happened so many times before. We have to throw caution to the wind and we got lucky in the end.
‘YOU ALWAYS HAVE A CHANCE’
“They are very tough to beat, but when you have Cristiano on the pitch you always have a chance.”
Ronaldo tore his shirt off when celebrating his goal and revealed a pair of his own brand pants.
But eagle-eyed fans noticed an error in the stitching.
The Portuguese forward had endured an off night on his Champions League return to Old Trafford.
He broke Iker Casillas’ record for Champions League appearances – 178.
And the late strike was his 136th in the competition.
He also texted his old team-mate Rio Ferdinand after the match.
⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
Ferdinand revealed what his old pal Ronaldo wrote to him in the immediate aftermath.
The BT Sport pundit said: “He (Ronaldo) text me tonight saying ‘I didn’t play well but I knew I’d score’.
“That’s the belief that he has. The other players are feeding off it. It’s a great place to be.”

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Rio Ferdinand praises Ronaldo’s last minute goal for Man Utd against Villarreal More

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER said he never lost hope against Villarreal because Manchester United had Cristiano Ronaldo.The Portuguese star scored in the dying seconds to hand United a dramatic 95th-minute win at Old Trafford in the Champions League.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Cristiano Ronaldo ‘always gives you a chance’
His comments came after the Portuguese star scored a dramatic late winner against Villarreal
Ronaldo, 36, had barely done anything in the game until he stole the headlines at the death.
United were drawing 1-1 after Alex Telles’ sumptuous volley had cancelled out Paco Alcacer’s deserved opener.
They had the phenomenal David De Gea to thank for keeping them in the game and could have been several goals down if it wasn’t for the Spaniard.
But as the clock ticked into the sixth minute of stoppage time, Fred looped a ball in, Ronaldo cushioned it down to Jesse Lingard, he drew the goalkeeper and defenders to him, poked it back to Ronaldo and CR7 drilled it into the net.
There was pandemonium at Old Trafford but Solskjaer reckons his side always had a chance with the former Real Madrid ace on the pitch.
The Norwegian said: “We all know the Champions League at Old Trafford is magic, and sometimes that history can help us.

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“Sometimes it is not about passes here or there, it is about the crowd and the Stretford End has sucked a few in before, I know that.
“That is probably what happened.
“That is what happens here at Old Trafford, it’s happened so many times before.
“We have to throw caution to the wind and we got lucky in the end.
“They are very tough to beat, but when you have Cristiano on the pitch you always have a chance.”
Ronaldo tore his shirt off when celebrating his goal and revealed a pair of his own brand pants.
But eagle-eyed fans noticed an error in the stitching.
The Portuguese forward had endured an off night on his Champions League return to Old Trafford.
He broke Iker Casillas’ record for Champions League appearances – 178.
And the late strike was his 136th in the competition.
He also texted his old team-mate Rio Ferdinand after the match.
⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
Ferdinand revealed what his old pal Ronaldo wrote to him in the immediate aftermath.
The BT Sport pundit said: “He (Ronaldo) text me tonight saying ‘I didn’t play well but I knew I’d score’.
“That’s the belief that he has. The other players are feeding off it. It’s a great place to be.”

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Cristiano Ronaldo vows to bring back glory days to Man Utd and thanks fans for inspiring last-gasp Villarreal victory More

CRISTIANO RONALDO showed off a pair of his own brand pants after netting Manchester United’s dramatic late winner against Villarreal on Wednesday.The Portuguese struck in the dying seconds to hand United a 2-1 victory in the Champions League but eagle-eyed fans noticed an error in the garment’s stitiching.
Cristiano Ronaldo was wearing his own brand pants during Man Utd’s win over Villarreal on Wednesday
Ronaldo scored in the dying seconds at Old Trafford
The Portuguese superstar, 36, had barely done anything in the game until he stole the headlines at the death.
United were drawing 1-1 after Alex Telles’ sumptuous volley had cancelled out Paco Alcacer’s deserved opener.
They had the phenomenal David De Gea to thank for keeping them in the game and if anything didn’t even deserve a draw.
But as the clock ticked into the sixth minute of stoppage time, Fred looped a ball in, Ronaldo cushioned it down to Jesse Lingard, he drew the goalkeeper and defenders to him, poked it back to Ronaldo and CR7 drilled it into the net.
Cue pandemonium at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo sprinted to the corner flag, and ripped off his shirt before being swamped by his team-mates.

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As pictures emerged of the iconic celebration after the match, fans drew attention to his pants.
Just out the top of his shorts could be seen a waistband with his name on it.
But the way the wording met in the middle at the back made for a comical error.
Paddy Power tweeted a picture and joked: “Nice pants. Look a bit like mine.”
“What make are yours?”
“Cristiano Ronaldo.”
“Expensive.
“And yours?”
“CRISTRIANO Ronaldo.”
“Nice pants. Looks a bit like mine.” “What make’s yours?”“Cristiano Ronaldo.”“Expensive.“And yours?”“Cristristiano Ronaldo.” pic.twitter.com/yjw22ucsmh— Paddy Power (@paddypower) September 29, 2021

Deano quipped in response: “Me mate Brian Hannigan wears Kelvin Kleins.”
Before Lelly wrote: “It’s like when your mum used to sew your name tag into your coat at school….
“Except it’s his full name. On his pants.”
The Portuguese forward had endured an off night on his Champions League return to Old Trafford.
He broke Iker Casillas’ record for Champions League appearances – 178.
And the late strike was his 136th in the competition.
He also texted his old team-mate Rio Ferdinand after the match.
⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
Ferdinand revealed what his old pal Ronaldo wrote to him in the immediate aftermath.
The BT Sport pundit said: “He (Ronaldo) text me tonight saying ‘I didn’t play well but I knew I’d score’.
“That’s the belief that he has. The other players are feeding off it. It’s a great place to be.”

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Solskjaer discusses Cristiano Ronaldo’s involvement in game against Villarreal More

CRISTIANO RONALDO’s last-minute winner for Manchester United against Villarreal was the club’s latest Champions League goal.The Portuguese, 36, hit the back of the net in the 95th minute – two minutes later than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s famous strike that won the 1999 final and secured the Treble.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a 95th-minute winner against VillarrealCredit: Getty
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scored a 93rd-minute goal in a Champions League final as Man Utd won the Treble in 1999Credit: PA:Empics Sport
Man Utd were heading for a 1-1 draw with the Europa League champs at Old Trafford before Ronaldo produced a trademark moment.
The forward got on the end of a decent Fred delivery, heading the ball into the path of substitute Jesse Lingard.
The England winger then passed it straight back to Ronaldo for him to fire beyond Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.
Exactly 94 minutes and 13 seconds were on the clock when the ball hit the net – and two seconds later, Ronaldo’s top was off in celebration.
And manager Solskjaer, Usain Bolt and everyone else supporting the Red Devils inside Old Trafford went wild as a 2-1 victory was sealed.
The goal also buried any demons from Man Utd’s defeat to Villarreal in May and Lingard’s late mistake against Young Boys two weeks ago.

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It’s the latest the Manchester club have scored in the Champions League, beating the previous record set by current boss Solskjaer 22 years ago.
The Norwegian’s was a little bit more important, though, as his 93rd minute winner against Bayern Munich handed Man Utd the Treble.
And it wasn’t the only record Ronaldo broke on Wednesday. He also became the first man to make 178 appearances in the Champions League.
Speaking after the win, Solskjaer said: “That’s the true mark of a great finisher.
“That’s what he’s done throughout his career. He’s so strong mentally and stays in the game.
“I’ve seen him all day, the way he’s built himself up for this game and when he gets that one chance it’s a goal.
“He had a couple of half decent ones, that he keeps calm when the chance arrives. He’s done that so many times.
“You saw against Ireland a month or so ago, when he missed a penalty early, didn’t touch the ball more or less, and then scored two great headers in the last two minutes.
“He is so good in front of goal and has an impact on everyone – the crowd, the players, the whole club. Cristiano has done it again and it’s three very important points.”
Solskjaer admitted his side had ridden their luck, and Villarreal could have been out of sight had it not been for an inspired performance from keeper David de Gea.
Solskjaer hailed the performances of David de Gea and Cristiano RonaldoCredit: AP
DE GEA TO THANK
He added: “Thankfully we had the best goalkeeper in the world tonight – David was fantastic and deserved to be man of the match. He saved us, we have to be realistic and say that.
“We all know the Champions League at Old Trafford is magic, and sometimes that history can help us.
“Sometimes it is not about passes here or there, it is about the crowd and the Stretford End has sucked a few in before, I know that. That is probably what happened.
“That is what happens here at Old Trafford, it’s happened so many times before. We have to throw caution to the wind and we got lucky in the end.
“They are very tough to beat, but when you have Cristiano on the pitch you always have a chance.”
⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
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CHELSEAS best performances were all at the back as they flopped going forward in their 1-0 defeat at Juventus.Here’s how Thomas Tuchel’s men rated on a frustrating night summed up by Federico Chiesa’s winner 10 seconds into the second half.
Federico Chiesa whips the ball in despite pressure from Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger
Romelu Lukaku shows Chelsea’s frustration as they fired blanks at Juventus
Edouard Mendy – 6/10
He didn’t have loads to do in Italy but he did well when he was called upon as Juventus put together a few dangerous counter-attacks.
Couldn’t do much about their goal, a brilliant finish from Federico Chiesa.
Andreas Christensen – 7
Some very good moments on the ball bringing it out of defence confidently as the Danish international continued his good recent form at the back for Chelsea. 
Thiago Silva – 7
Frustrated with those ahead of him for not doing more with the ball in the first half and showed his good leadership once again.
He was also very good on the ball and covered well defensively. Slow to react and could have done better for their goal.
Antonio Rudiger – 7
Some great recovery runs to get back and sniff out Juventus’ counter-attacks, and always looked to get forward to support the attack when he could.
Left isolated for their first goal.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 5
Rather quiet out as a wing back.
He will always do a job there but he certainly isn’t the surging energetic wing back that Chelsea needs in the position – one who will get to the byline and pick out a cross.
Jorginho – 5
Shaky start from him and he took a while to get his usual hold of a game.
He was subbed off on 60 minutes and will want to forget this one as soon as possible.
Mateo Kovacic – 5
The Croatian international gave the ball away a lot in the first half, which was unusual for him.
He was let off a couple of occasions when Juventus should have scored after he gave the ball away. This wasn’t his best game in a Chelsea shirt for sure.
Marcos Alonso – 4
Slow and flat was the best way to describe Alonso.
He will always be a threat in attack with his good finishing and good left foot, but he so often let attacks get slowed down or break down when he decides to pass backwards instead of advance. Unsurprisingly subbed off at half time.
Hakim Ziyech – 4
Started on the left in attack to provide for Romelu Lukaku with his wizard of a left foot.
But he failed to create much for the striker and the game appeared to pass him by.
Playmaker Kai Havertz saw Chelsea struggle at JuventusCredit: Rex
Kai Havertz – 5
A very quiet first 45 minutes from Havertz who looked rather lost and out muscled by the physical Juventus defenders.
He did start to come alive a bit more in the second half but missed two good chances with his ahead.
Romelu Lukaku – 5
Once again he was starved of service from his Chelsea team-mates in the first half, with those around him not being able to create anything for him. He was visibly frustrated again.
Missed a couple of good chances as well, one a header that he got all wrong and another a left-footed strike where he should’ve hit the target.

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SUBS
Ben Chilwell for Alonso (HT) – 6
Certainly injected more energy down the left but couldn’t really effect much.
Trevoh Chalobah for Jorginho (60 mins) – 6
Played in midfield and then went back to centre-back.
Tried his best to add some more intensity and options for Chelsea.
Callum Hudson-Odoi for Azpilicueta (60 mins) – 6
Came on at right wing-back again, and once again looked uncomfortable there, although he did fire in two very good crosses that were wasted.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek for Ziyech (60 mins) – 8
Made an instant impact when he came on and should have started the game.
He looked dangerous from the off driving through the midfield.
Ross Barkley for Christensen (74 mins) – 7
Looked very lively and created Chelsea’s best chance of the game.
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CRISTIANO RONALDO’S late winner saw Manchester United snatch a dramatic 2-1 win over Villarreal in the Champions League at Old Trafford.David De Gea played out of his skin and kept United in it but full-back Diogo Dalot looked well out of his depth as he stood in for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
David De Gea kept United in the game and was their best player by far
Diogo Dalot had a game to forget at right-back
United had De Gea and Villarreal’s awful finishing to thank for being level at half-time in what was a worrying first 45 for the Red Devils.
Paco Alcacer finally got the goal the visitors deserved – stabbing an Arnaut Danjuma cross home at the near post barely ten minutes after half-time.
But Alex Telles scored a Paul Scholes-esque volley from outside the box on the hour mark to make it 1-1.
United were better after the equaliser and looked like they wouldn’t make the pressure count.
Edinson Cavani missed a late sitter before De Gea came to the rescue again with a peach of a double save.
But Ronaldo popped up at the back post with mere seconds left and here’s what SunSport’s William Pugh thought of the Red Devils’ individual performances.

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DAVID DE GEA – 9/10
Phenomenal one handed save on nine minutes from former Bournemouth man Danjuma.
Superb reflexes seven minutes later to tip an Alcacer header over the bar.
Couldn’t do anything with Villarreal’s goal. Capped of an excellent night with a an awkward point-saving double stop in the closing stages.
Cristiano Ronaldo and his United team-mates mobbed De Gea at full time to show their appreciation.
De Gea made several top class saves to keep United in the game
DIOGO DALOT – 3
Struggled with Danjuma’s pace and trickery down Villarreal’s left.
Looked well out of his depth. Failed to cut out Danjuma’s cross which Alcacer finished to open the scoring.
Dreadful.
VICTOR LINDELOF – 5
Let Alcacer get away from him for the opener.
The difference in quality between him and United’s main centre-backs Harry Maguire and Varane was laid bare for all to see.
RAPHAEL VARANE – 6
Huge mistake to let Alcacer in toward the end of the first-half.
But slid on to make a vital interception which likely prevented a certain goal in the same half. Some good, some bad. Nothing memorable.
This crucial Raphael Varane slide tackle prevented Paco Alcacer from getting through on goalCredit: AP
ALEX TELLES (subbed 89 mins) – 7
Caught out of position on a few occasions in the first-half and was only let off by the visitors’ poor finishing.
Easily beaten and looked almost as weak as his opposite full-back Dalot.
But made most inside Old Trafford forgive all his previous misgivings with an absolute peach of a volley from outside the box on the hour mark.
Booked for a late slide challenge on Yeremi Pino with 19 minutes to go before a superb goal-saving block with 85 on the clock.
PAUL POGBA (replaced 74 mins) – 5
His presence at the base of midfield alongside McTominay affected the defensive balance in the side and the pair were too easy to slice through for Villarreal.
Stepped up his attacking efforts after the break and started to look more dangerous before being hooked.
Paul Pogba’s new hair was the most exciting thing about Man Utd in the first-half against Villarreal
SCOTT McTOMINAY – 5
Villarreal played through the middle too often in the first-half.
Was required to do more of the defensive work with Pogba next to him instead of Fred. Not one to remember.
MASON GREENWOOD (subbed 89 mins) – 5
Former Liverpool man Alberto Moreno had the better of him for most of the match. Tried to get on the ball but with little impact.
Booked with 23 minutes to go for a cynical tug back on Boulaye Dia.
Should have had an assist when Cavani headed his cross wide on 79 minutes.
Mason Greenwood struggled to have an impact against former Liverpool man Alberto MorenoCredit: AP
BRUNO FERNANDES – 7
Huffed and puffed but to no avail until half-time. Looked the most likely to make something happen but nothing was clicking.
Pinged a beautifully chipped free-kick to the waiting Telles who volleyed home a belter to make it 1-1.
JADON SANCHO (replaced 74 mins) – 5
Started in a determined fashion as he tried to make something happen down the left but looked a little lightweight.
Lost his footing when he looked sure to make it 2-1 just after his side had drawn level. Hooked again.
Jadon Sancho looked eager to make something happen but was often pushed off the ball easily
CRISTIANO RONALDO – 7
Failed to make an impact before the break. Fluffed a big chance to play Sancho in with a first time pass.
Broke the record for Champions League appearances and may as well not have been on the pitch for most of the game.
But stole the headlines at the death after doing next to nothing all night with his 136th Champions League goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo had a very quiet evening at Old Trafford before his late goal
⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
Subs
EDINSON CAVANI (replaced Pogba) – 6
Missed a huge chance to put United 2-1 with 11 minutes to go.
Headed wide of an open goal after a delightful cross from Greenwood put one on a plate for him.
Full of running as he tried to make something happen late on.
JESSE LINGARD (replaced Greenwood) – 7
Had a big chance to win the game at the death but was thwarted at the near post.
Set Ronaldo up for the winner with a delicious touch.
FRED (replaced Telles) – 7
Great cross to set up the late winner.
NEMANJA MATIC (replaced Sancho) – 5
Did little of note.

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