Cristiano Ronaldo’s return after a one-game hiatus had the grandstand finish he loves to produce: an 81st-minute strike that confirmed Manchester United’s qualification for the Europa League knockout round playoffs, at least.
For Erik ten Hag’s team to directly reach the last 16 they must beat Real Sociedad in the final group game by two clear goals. If this is a possibility more than a probability, surer is how the timeless Ronaldo, still believing after a slew of missed chances, was quick to hammer home after Maksym Koval saved his header. The finish was a sweet riposte to his exclusion for the draw at Chelsea after refusing to enter from the bench against Tottenham and leaving before the end.
