The former Reds star is back at Old Trafford for only the second time since leaving the club in 2009, having scored 118 goals in 292 appearances during his magnificent six-year spell. He also returned in 2013 in the same competition with Real Madrid, who were then managed by current United boss Jose Mourinho, and scored in a 2-1 victory for the Spaniards in a last-16 tie.
Rather appropriately, Ronaldo was answering questions from the world’s media in a packed No.7 Suite inside the Theatre of Dreams on Monday evening. Smiling throughout the press conference, the Portuguese international was full of respect for United and acknowledged the part his former boss Sir Alex Ferguson has played in his distinguished career.