Mixed emotions for Ronaldo

Goalscoring hero Cristiano Ronaldo admitted to mixed emotions after his header sealed a 1-0 win for Manchester United at Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.

The winger received a warm reception from home fans at the club where he began his professional career, but there was no room for sentiment when he nodded home Wes Brown’s cross in the 62nd minute for the only goal of the Group F match.

Ronaldo, whose celebrations were muted, told Sky Sports 2 afterwards: “I feel good.

“This is my colour, red, this is my team, but I like Sporting – it’s my second home and I am a little bit sad, but Manchester is my team.

“These people are very important to me. But I am happy for the victory and three points.”

He added: “It was a perfect night – I score, I win, it was great for Manchester United.”

Ronaldo was thrilled to have negotiated a potentially difficult night.

“It is always important to win away,” he said.

“It was a fantastic game that everyone enjoyed and I think the result was fair.”