Cristiano Ronaldo scored Manchester United‘s latest ever Champions League goal last night – breaking a record set by his manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 1999.
Ronaldo’s late winner in the 2-1 victory over Villarreal was scored on 94 minutes and 13 seconds – breaking Solskjaer’s record by nearly two minutes.
The Norwegian struck on 92 minutes and 17 seconds for United in their 2-1 win over Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final – a goal that completed one of the most famous comebacks in footballing history.
Ronaldo’s winner last night may not have been of similar importance, but the drama was certainly there.
The 36-year-old powered United into the lead with what was the last kick of the game, connecting with a Jesse Lingard lay-off to send Old Trafford into raptures.
In doing so, he moved on to a total of 17 Champions League goals for the Red Devils – two behind Solskjaer’s haul of 19, meaning he could overtake his current manager in another statistic before the season is over.
Solskjaer on Ronaldo winner
Speaking about Ronaldo’s winning strike, Solskjaer told BT Sport: “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 [Villarreal] are very tough to beat, but when you have Cristiano on the pitch you always have a chance.
“I’ve seen him all the day, the way he’s built himself up for this game and when he gets that one chance, it’s a goal.”
United went behind early in the second half at Old Trafford, with Paco Alcacer putting Unai Emery’s side in front.
The hosts were indebted to David de Gea early on, with the goalkeeper making four vital saves in the first 45 minutes.
United equalised on 60 minutes through Alex Telles, who replaced the injured Luke Shaw in the starting XI.
Solskjaer then made four late substitutions to attempt to swing the momentum in United’s direction, including bringing on Fred and Lingard.
Both men would go on to play a crucial role in the build-up to Ronaldo’s winner, which puts the Red Devils back on track in the Champions League after an opening matchday defeat to Young Boys.
United, who sit in third place in Group F, face Atalanta at Old Trafford in their next European fixture.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
