A Homecoming like no other

Fans in Nagaland celebrate CR7’s return

Rebecca K Kits
Dimapur | September 11

When the Premier League transfer window started in May 2021, football fans around the world would never have thought that they would witness a surprise signing during the last few days of the window.

But that was exactly what happened as 36-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo was confirmed to be leaving Juventus and Manchester City were touted to be the frontrunners in bringing the highly decorated player back to the English Premier League.

Things eventually took an interesting twist as Manchester United swooped in for their former player an on August 27, the Club announced that they had reached an agreement to sign Ronaldo from the Serie A giants.

The news of the signing broke the internet and the Manchester United server crashed as fans all over the world welcomed Ronaldo’s return after 12 years to his boyhood club.

The five times Ballon d’Or winner is no stranger to the army of followers. He had won three Premier League titles and one Champions League title during his last stint with Manchester United which ended in 2009.

With emotions still running high, on September 11, Manchester United fans across Nagaland swarmed to witness the legend’s homecoming. In tune with the fans’ anticipation, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer ensured that Ronaldo was in the starting 11 for his debut match against Newcastle.

As Ronaldo made his entry onto the field on Saturday, loud cheers greeted him. The noise from the stands of Old Trafford were almost drowned out as Manchester United fans in Nagaland screamed in excitement to see his return.

In Nagaland, under the aegis of the Manchester United Supporters Club Nagaland (N-MUSC), live match screening was organized across districts. In Kohima, the Red Devils (as the Manchester United supporters are called) gathered in Area 51, the fan club’s hotspot for all match-related events.

In Tuensang, Fans gathered in huge numbers at the Wok restaurant. In Dimapur, fans thronged to the live screening event at Hotel Lake Shilloi.

One common factor in all these screenings was the celebratory atmosphere. There were smiles all around, and in the sea of faces, for the first time in years, there was hope. Fans of the Manchester United Club have undergone a frustrating spell for years ever since the Club’s and perhaps the Premier League’s most successful manager, Sir Alex Ferguson had left in 2013.

“Ronaldo’s return has brought hope and a rejuvenated energy and excitement. After years of frustration, we can now hope to put up a real and strong fight in the title race,” said Sopei, a diehard Man United fan from Dimapur.

“Ronaldo playing for us again feels surreal,” said Zach.

For someone who has been a Manchester United fan since 1990, Colo Mero from Kohima is someone who has seen the rise and fall of the Club over the years. “Ronaldo’s homecoming to Man United is a dream come true for me. His return has reignited the fear factor in the Red Devils. Hoping to get back to glory days soon!” Mero exclaimed.

The United legend did not disappoint as he made a striking statement with the opening goal in the dying minutes of the first half on Saturday.

He went on to score another goal in the 62nd minute. Bruno Fernandes and Jesse Lingard added to United’s goal tally on Saturday. 

“Glory, glory Manchester United…” the fans sang in unison as the match ended 4-1 in Manchester United’s favour.

While the season has just started, Ronaldo’s return to the Premier League and two goals on his debut match has fired up the team and the fans alike.

“The competition is tough, no doubt. But Ronaldo’s return has made us believe we can do it once again,” said Nino, a fan from Dimapur.

How the Club and its legend will fare is for time to tell, but Ronaldo’s homecoming match will be remembered and celebrated for a very long time.