The incredible stats behind Ronaldo's return

Our legendary no.7 has already racked up four goals in three matches since returning to the fold.

On his first appearance in the red shirt since the deadline-day transfer from Juventus, Ronaldo scored a brace against Newcastle United in front of a capacity Old Trafford crowd, making it an unforgettable day for millions of supporters across the globe.

After that incredible first match under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the five-time UEFA Champions League winner scored on his return to European competition with the Reds, netting the opener against Swiss side Young Boys in Bern.

Then, on Sunday, the 36-year-old maintained his scoring streak by equalising against West Ham United in our thrilling 2-1 Premier League win in the capital.

The multiple Ballon d’Or winner has outperformed every other Premier League player in several attacking categories since he came back. As well as ranking first in goals scored (3), he also tops the charts for expected goals (3.24 xG), with his poacher’s efforts against the Magpies and the Hammers proving his predatory instincts.

Ronaldo has also produced the most shots overall (13), as well as the highest number from inside the box (12) and on target (7). The Portugal captain has also had the most touches inside the opposition’s box (21) and has created the largest tally of big chances (5).

Cristiano Ronaldo has made a fantastic start to his second spell in the Premier League. 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/vbjo17SHXk

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) September 20, 2021

As for his career overall, when he found the back of the net against West Ham with his 122nd strike for United, it meant that Ronaldo had scored in his 66th different stadium, more than any other player since his first Reds debut back in 2003.

The closest to our no.7 on that list is former Reds striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has conquered 64 different grounds since that August day in 2003 when a young Ronaldo first stepped onto the Old Trafford pitch.

66 - West Ham's London Stadium is the 66th different stadium that Cristiano Ronaldo has scored at in matches played in Europe's big five leagues, scoring at more unique venues than any other player since his Man Utd debut in 2003-04, ahead of Zlatan Ibrahimovic (64). Conqueror. pic.twitter.com/64uJF3SeZp

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 19, 2021

Looking away from outright goal contributions and attacking numbers, in last Sunday's dramatic win at the London Stadium, our recently signed centre-forward also showcased his magnificent physical ability.

At the age of 36, Ronaldo still clocked the fastest sprint of the afternoon in East London, at an impressive 32.51 km/h. Aaron Wan-Bissaka was second best with his 32.41 km/h, while the Hammers’ fastest player on the day was forward Jarrod Bowen on 31.29 km/h.

In short, there’s no stopping Cristiano just yet!