‘He did everything a centre forward should be doing’ – Ole praises Ronaldo after comeback victory

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised the overall impact of match-winner Cristiano Ronaldo as United fought back to beat Atalanta 3–2 in the Champions League at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

United were facing their fifth loss in eight matches after going down 2–0 in the first half to Atalanta. But they raised their level in the second half and raised it some more, with goals from Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire helping the Red Devils draw level.

With less than 10 minutes left of the clock, Ronaldo rose highest to head United in front and complete a solid come-back victory.

“I was really, really pleased with how he led the line,” Solskjaer said of Ronaldo. “As a centre forward we asked him to run the channels, drop in, press more because we’re at home, of course.

“Even he was down inside his own six-yard box towards the end defending, you could see him sprinting. He did everything a centre forward should be doing, leading the line and defending.

“If anyone wants to criticise him for work-rate or attitude, just watch this game. Watch how he runs around.

“And of course the goal is just what he does better than most. The header is not on a par with his Roma one but he’s still got a leap and timing like no-one else.”