Ronaldo’s return: Five players who played a blinder against their former clubs
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Cristiano Ronaldo is set to return to Old Trafford tomorrow as Manchester United take on Juventus.
The former United star will be looking to help Juventus take control of Group H in the Champions League. Paul Pogba will also be going up against his former employers too.
Juve are 27/20 to win, with Ronaldo 4/1 to open the scoring on his old stomping ground. Before it gets underway, we’ve taken a look at five players who’ve starred against their former clubs.
Robin van Persie
Van Persie almost single-handedly carried Arsenal into the top-four in his final two years at the club. But that wasn’t enough for the then-Gunners captain. He headed to Old Trafford in search of trophies.
The Dutchman didn’t waste any time showing the North London side what they were missing. He only took three minutes to get on the scoresheet on their first reunion. Van Persie ended up scoring home and away against Arsenal on his way to winning the title medal he craved.
Carlos Tevez
Carlos Tevez seemed to relish facing his old teammates after moving from the red to the blue half of Manchester in 2009.
The Argentine scored both City goals in a 2-1 win in the first-leg of the Carling Cup semi-final. He didn’t have any interest in a quiet celebration against his former club either. He gestured towards the United bench after scoring, which led to Gary Neville having words.
Christian Benteke
Crystal Palace star Benteke has had a tough time of late. But he offered a reminder of what he can do against Liverpool in April last year.
The Reds took the lead on his first return to Anfield, but they couldn’t cope with his presence in the box. The big striker scored twice to seal a 2-1 win from behind. It never worked out for Benteke at Liverpool. That brace will have felt very sweet indeed.
Emmanuel Adebayor
Emmanuel Adebayor is another player with no time for muted celebrations. After thumping in a header to secure City’s win against Arsenal, he ran the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the fans who’d once adored him.
Abuse and plastic bottles rained down from the away end, but Adebayor had the last laugh here.
Gerard Pique
Man United never really saw the best of Gerard Pique before selling him to Barcelona in 2008. It didn’t take long for him to show what he could do at his hometown club.
Barcelona won the treble under Pep Guardiola in Pique’s first year back, beating United 2-0 in the Champions League Final. The Red Devils would have a chance for revenge in the 2011 Final. But they were again no match for Pique and the rest of Guardiola’s side.
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