Manchester United started their Champions League campaign in shoddy fashion after losing to Young Boys at the Wankdorf Stadium when Jesse Lingard’s fatal error gave them the win
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praises Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo’s insane number of Champions League records mean Manchester United remain one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
That is despite their horror start to the campaign, losing their first match to Young Boys in the group stage 2-1.
The Swiss team are seen as the weaker side in United’s group, that also contains Atalanta and Villarreal – who beat them in last season’s Europa League final.
And with a side that boasts the attacking talent on show at Old Trafford, this was a major defeat for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
United were in cruise control prior to Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s red card when Ronaldo converted Bruno Fernandes’ fantastic cross.
But going a man down was disastrous for the Red Devils, who relinquished their domination of the match for a more defensive set-up that saw them shoot themselves in the foot.
Moumi Ngamaleu scored a fully-deserved equaliser for Young Boys just after an hour but the worst was yet to come.
Jesse Lingard, who had come on for Ronaldo, tied passing it back to David de Gea with five seconds to go.
Instead, he handed the ball straight to Theoson Siebatcheu, who had the simple task of netting past the Spaniard to claim a dramatic victory.
Solskjaer has come under fire for his decisions and tactics, but the fact of the matter is that with Ronaldo in his side, United can still win the tournament.
The Portugal international was made for European nights and has 11 records to back that up.
In total, Ronaldo has the most goals (136), most wins (108), most appearances (181), most assists (42), most goals in a single season (17), most titles (five), most goals in a calendar year (19), most consecutive games scored in (11), most seasons finished as top scorer (seven), most penalties scored (19) and most finals scored in (three).
They range between his two periods at United, his time at Real Madrid and his stint at Juventus.
Can Ronaldo lead United to Champions League glory? Comment below
Chelsea are currently the champions and will fancy their chances again this year after signing Romelu Lukaku.
While Paris Saint-Germain are favourites with their incredible frontline of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
But United will feel that as long as Ronaldo is scoring the goals, and he has three in two appearances already, then they will up there at the very least.
One concern is Solskjaer’s record in the Champions League after Tuesday’s defeat at the Wankdorf Stadium.
In 11 matches, the Red Devils have lost seven – including a terrible run that saw them crash out of last season’s tournament at the group stage.
However, Ronaldo’s presence can lift the team to a new level while there are still five games to go.
