Solskjaer lauds ‘incredible’ Ronaldo after more CL heroics

Jason Soutar
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hugs Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hailed the “incredible” Cristiano Ronaldo after his stoppage-time equaliser against Atalanta on Tuesday evening.

Ronaldo equalised for the Red Devils in the first half, before scoring a wonderful volley in the 91st minute to rescue a crucial point in their Champions League group.

A defeat would have left Solskjaer’s side in a precarious position, to say the least. However, the draw has put fate in their own hands ahead of their matches against Villarreal and Young Boys.


Ronaldo wrestles the narrative away from Solskjaer again


Having wrapped up comeback wins against Villarreal and Atalanta at Old Trafford, the 36-year-old rose to the occasion in Bergamo to once again save under-fire manager Solskjaer.

According to the 48-year-old manager, Atalanta’s opening goal should have been disallowed for offside.

Josep Ilicic’s left-footed strike put the hosts ahead, however, there was a VAR review to see if Mario Pasalic was in an offside position, leaving David De Gea holding his breath after making an error for the goal.

Solskjaer discussed Ilicic’s opener, before heaping praise on his saviour, Ronaldo.

“It is a tight game, flowed both ways,” the United boss said.

“Their two goals were very tight and we thought the first was offside. I thought he interfered with David De Gea’s view, but Cristiano is just incredible if there is anyone you want a chance to fall to and a difficult chance, it is just incredible.

“That is football. No one can question the character of these players, because they don’t ever give up and give in, they just keep going. We had to make changes and they worked.

“The (first) goal was a proper team goal, great quality on the passing, four or five or six passes before that little exchange as well.

“You don’t plan to concede a goal, I thought it was offside, usually he would save that one. The atmosphere was electric, very physical and hard to play against.”

Raphael Varane was forced off in the first half due to an injury. Solskjaer added that the France international felt his hamstring and that he did not want to take a risk.