Cristiano Ronaldo scored the fifth goal of the season in Manchester United
Celebrations began in the 95th minute, and continued almost an hour after the end of the full-time whistle.
Manchester United needed some cheering up, and they found it when Wednesday's Champions League match against Villarreal ended in a thrilling 5 minutes. On a night that was reminiscent of the glory days, "Viva Ronaldo," filled the air.
Cristiano Ronaldo loves playing in the Champions League. Another memorable moment was provided by him during the competition.
This Portuguese star has achieved many important and significant goals in European competition. This was the one that brought United's thrilled supporters to their feet. The Champions League match at Old Trafford was the first in two and a quarter years. It was a thrilling finish.
United was disappointed against Villarreal overall and were headed for a third consecutive game without victory when Ronaldo scored from Jesse Lingard’s lay-off.
In a flash, joy was transformed from despair as Ronaldo swung the net before sprinting off to the corner and ripping his shirt off in celebration.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said to BT Sport, "That's what happens at Old Trafford." It has happened many times before. We had to be a little more cautious, but we were able to get lucky.
"Sometimes it's not about 'pass here, pass there'. Sometimes it's about the crowd - and they've sucked in it before - and when Cristiano is on the pitch, you always stand a chance. He's so skilled in front of goal, and it shows.
"That's what world-class players do"
Ronaldo was arrested for taking his shirt off in celebration
Ronaldo, who had been away for 12 years, returned to United in August. He was once close to joining Manchester City rivals. According to legend, he talked to Sir Alex Ferguson, his former United manager before returning to Old Trafford.
The 36-year old has won the Champions League trophy five times. He made his record 178th appearance at the competition against Villarreal. United needed his inspiration Wednesday.
After a humiliating defeat in the first group match against Young Boys, Solskjaer felt under pressure. After back-to-back defeats at home against West Ham, Aston Villa and West Ham, Solskjaer's team entered the contest.
Ronaldo, match-winner, stood up and scored his fifth goal in the famous 'Fergie Time. This brought a smile to Ferguson's face, who cheered enthusiastically.
It brought relief to Solskjaer, as well as the supporters in the stands. They stayed long after the end of full-time singing "Viva Ronaldo" inside the stadium.
"That's a great atmosphere. Clinton Morrison, a former striker in the Premier League, said that he was just taking it all in on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the one to turn to when your team needs you. Manchester United deserves credit - they weren't that good, but Ronaldo did a great job.
"He can have quiet nights, but world-class players finish like that."
Solskjaer said: "He's done that so many times. This is what he did throughout his career.
"He is so mentally strong, he keeps in the game, and I have seen him all of today, how focused.
"When he has that one chance, it's a goal. The true sign of a great finisher is to keep calm when there's a chance.
"United" relies on individual brilliance
United should have won the game.
Villarreal's poor finishing, and the brilliance displayed by David de Gea in his home goal made it scoreless at halftime. The visitors took the lead in the second period when Paco Alcacer scored from close range.
Solskjaer was a Villarreal problem-maker - Ronaldo Fernandes and Mason Greenwood were all victims. But the manager must figure out how to bring them together.
Alex Telles did provide a moment of genius for him, and his spectacular volley reminded him of the goal Paul Scholes scored at Bradford in the Premier League 21 years ago. The match was heading towards a draw when Ronaldo scored in the 95th minute.
Owen Hargreaves, Ronaldo's 2008 Champions League winner team-mate, said on BT Sport: “For Solskjaer you can see his emotion on his face. The stadium was a riot and Ronaldo is the reason.
He gives you hope because of his ability to score big goals. Ronaldo is a great player and you shouldn't let him go. They won the game because of the stadium's support and their big players.
Solskjaer: "When Ronaldo gets that chance, it's an opportunity"
Michael Owen, ex-striker, said: "I think United are a bit too dependent on individual brilliance, moments, and like the goal by Alex Telles. One of the greatest goals Old Trafford have seen in the past few years."
"But, the last 10 mins, it felt more like an team, they were better. Ronaldo is always there to make it happen.
United has a testing schedule. They will face Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City in the Premier League. There will also be two Champions League meetings against Atalanta.
The manager will have to endure a difficult spell. Solskjaer seems to be caught between joy and despair. If his side continues to struggle as an ensemble, Solskjaer will need more moments of individual brilliance by his star players.
