Manchester United came from behind to defeat Villarreal in an action-packed Champions League Group F match thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s injury-time winner.
The rematch of last season’s Europa League final, which the Spanish side won on penalties, looked headed for a draw after another poor United performance, but summer signing Ronaldo stroked home from Jesse Lingard’s lay-off to spark jubilant scenes at Old Trafford.
Unai Emery, on the other hand, will be left wondering how his team did not come away with all three points.
United got off to a fast start, with Bruno Fernandes scooping over and Ronaldo failing to hit the target with his header in the first seven minutes.
Following that, Villarreal took control but failed to score in the first half in which they created chance after chance.
David de Gea, the goalkeeper for Manchester United, made crucial reflex saves to deny Arnaut Danjuma and Paco Alcacer, as well as Yeremi Pino.
When Raphael Varane misjudged the bounce of the ball and dragged his shot wide, striker Alcacer should have scored, and both Alberto Moreno and Pino blazed over from good positions.
They did, however, break the deadlock early in the second half when Danjuma snuck in behind and pulled the ball back for Alcacer to convert from close range.
United were struggling to make inroads until Alex Telles produced a moment of brilliance, slamming a first-time volley from 20 yards out into the bottom corner.
Ronaldo’s winner gives Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side their first victory, while Atalanta beat Young Boys 1-0 to take the group lead.
https://twitter.com/kobbykatalyst1/status/1443319155978117124?s=20
He's done it again 😤
Look what it means to the Man Utd fans and players – and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – as Ronaldo delivers in the dying seconds.
A big three points when it didn't look likely…#UCL pic.twitter.com/eRiWdbnLxv
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 29, 2021