Injury kept Ronaldo from playing at the start of this season, in which Manchester United struggled to find their way through.

Ronaldo made his first appearance against Villareal as a substitute this season in a game that ended goalless. Manchester United never lost a game since Ronaldo’s return and ironically, he scored the Reds’ first goal in what was Manchester United second only victory; that was against Middlesbrough in the Carling Cup.

The momentum went on; Manchester United enjoyed a run of 12 matches unbeaten since their last defeat away to Liverpool back in September.

And Saturday, it came to an end. Cristiano Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes against Arsenal at the Emirates, but this could not help his side from loosing 2 – 1 at the end of the day.

Certainly, the referee should have awarded a penalty when Gael Clichy apparently handled the ball in the penalty box: this would have probably changed the game around.

Ronaldo helped the Champions to create an awful lot of chances but inefficiency in front of goal cost them dearly.

The talismanic number 7, who was well aware of the importance of the encounter, will have to put this defeat behind.

Manchester United have struggled this season to get all three points against London clubs. Well, they face another London team, Queens Park Rangers – this time in the Carling Cup in midweek and Ronaldo will try to add more to the single goal he possesses in this competition.

Written by: Angela Asante