Late Cristiano Ronaldo heroics show he remains the greatest

The result was unbelievably harsh on Ireland, but the consolation for Irish fans who love Manchester United is that their side have signed a hero

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, right, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal. Picture: AP Photo/Armando Franca

Just when you thought Cristiano Ronaldo was human, and Manchester United fans were choking on their popcorn watching him suffer against the Republic of Ireland, he reminded us exactly why he’s the bargain of the century.

Having seen a penalty and a free-kick saved by Gavin Bazunu in Faro, Ronaldo’s late, late brace — which earned Portugal a remarkable 2-1 come-from-behind World Cup qualifying win — has made him the greatest international goalscorer of all time and proved that United were right to bring him back ‘home’ in the transfer window.