Xtra Time Web Desk: It was an extraordinary return to Old Trafford for Cristiano Ronaldo as he scored a brace to help Manchester United thrash Newcastle 4-1 to climb on top of Premier League. The Portugese talisman scored in the stoppage time of first half (45+2’) and in the 62nd minute. The other two goals were scored by Bruno Fernandes (80’) and Jesse Lingard (90+2’). Javier Manquilo scored for Newcastle United in the 56thminute.
Ronaldo scored the opening goal for his team in first-half stoppage time, much to the joy of an expectant home crowd. Mason Greenwood cut inside from the left and fired a shot but Newcastle goalkeeper Freddie Woodman failed to grab the ball. Ronaldo pounced on the ball before any Newcastle defender could react to make it 1-0 at the stroke of half time.
Newcastle scored the equalizer from a counter attack. Miguel Almiron broke free from the left and passed on to Allan Saint Maximin who tapped it for Manquilo to score. Much to the delight of the capacity crowd Ronaldo gave United the lead (second time in the match) as he scored with his left foot from a Luke Shaw cross. But the moment of the match was Bruno Fernandes strike from long range. Jesse Lingard was on target in the second half stoppage time to seal the match 4-1.