Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United return in 2021 went down like a lead balloon, despite big expectations from fans. The 39-year-old footballing great made a name for himself under Sir Alex Ferguson between 2003 and 2009, scoring 84 Premier League goals, while winning three Premier League titles, two League Cups, an FA Cup and a Champions League before signing for Real Madrid for a world-record fee of £80million. With five Ballon d'Or accolades to his name, Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the most highly decorated players of all time, also achieving great things with Madrid and Juventus after parting ways with the Red Devils.
And while fans will have hoped to see Ronaldo pick up where he left off when he returned to north west England in 2021, his grand comeback under Erik ten Hag didn't quite pan out as planned. Here, Mirror Sport breaks down Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United return in the 2021/22 Premier League campaign - and how his last dance at Old Trafford backfired in spectacular fashion..
. Harry Maguire headbutt Manchester United faced Atletico Madrid in the round of 16 in the 2021/22 Champions League saga - with hopes of achieving some sort of silverware after a lacklustre outing in the Premier League. A 1-1 draw at the Metropolitano Stadium in February 2022 saw the teams deadlocked going into the second leg at Old Trafford the very next month.
And while Renan Lodi ended the Red Devils' tournament hopes with a 41st-minute header at the back post - the only goal.