The joy of August 31 when Cristiano Ronaldo made his long-awaited return to Manchester United feels far away now. Ronaldo marked his comeback to Old Trafford 12 years on from his departure to Real Madrid in a typically dramatic fashion.
On September 11, he made his second debut for the club and scored twice in a 4-1 against Newcastle United. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side looked vibrant, full of confidence and in the five-time Ballon d'Or winner they now had an almost guarantee supply of goals that was certain to fire them up the table.
The momentum continued six days later as Ronaldo scored again to equalise against West Ham before Jesse Lingard scored a stunning, galvanising, last-minute winner.
Even a shock defeat to Young Boys in the Champions League a few days before, in which Ronaldo also scored in, did little to rock the good vibes.
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