Cristiano Ronaldo

"Life goes on" was the message from coach Massimiliano Allegri after learning of Cristiano Ronaldo's desire to leave last month, but four Serie A games into a future without their former talisman, Juventus continue to go from one disaster to the next

The reaction in Turin to the Portuguese forward's departure for English Premier League side Manchester United was mixed.

England's Manchester United and Italy's Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo's current and former teams, both suffered hefty financial losses for 2020-21 as the coronavirus crisis drained European soccer stadiums of fans.

While Executive Vice Chairman Ed Woodward expressed confidence in United's recovery as Old Trafford hosts capacity crowds for the first time in almost 18 months, Juventus said it would also end its 2021-22 financial year, which will still be heavily affected by the pandemic, with a "significant loss."

With Villarreal and Atalanta lying in wait, Manchester United travelled to Swiss Super League champion Young Boys knowing that three points was vital against the side 30 places beneath them in UEFA’s club coefficient. 

All eyes were on Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s team after the manager again fielded the exciting quartet of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho and Paul Pogba that’d decimated Newcastle on Saturday.

Cristiano Ronaldo finalized his transfer from Juventus to Manchester United on the final day of the 2021 summer transfer window, bringing an end to a three-year spell with the Old Lady and returning him to Old Trafford, where Ronaldo spent six superlative seasons between 2003 and 2009. The Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United contract salary, despite now being 36 years of age, speaks to how prolific and valuable the forward still remains at the highest level.  

Manchester United is filthy. Filthy filthy filthy. The Red Devils defeated Newcastle 4-1 on Saturday in a wildly entertaining match that featured the homecoming of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Old Trafford gave the warmest of welcomes to Ronaldo who started his first game for Manchester United in over a decade.

"NUMBER SEVEN, CRISTIANO RONALDO!"

The noise inside Old Trafford as Ronaldo's name is announced in Manchester United's starting XI pic.twitter.com/fivRej0qs5

Was it the prettiest goal? Not by any means. Do we care? Absolutely not. This Cristiano Ronaldo goal vs. Newcastle still had all the feels.

With the first half coming to a close, Ronaldo had a true poacher’s finish when Mason Greenwood’s effort from outside the box took a deflection that Newcastle goalkeeper Freddie Woodman spilled. Ronaldo was waiting on the doorstep to sweep home the game’s opening goal.

LONDON - As the Premier League resumes following the international break all eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo's homecoming party at Old Trafford on Saturday, with the Portuguese international set to resume his Manchester United career after 12 years away.

The 36-year-old re-joined United from Juventus on a two-year deal last month and could make his 'second debut' as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side host Newcastle United.