The excitement got the better of one supporter on Tuesday night.
The sight of one of Manchester United’s greatest ever players back at Old Trafford became too much for one fan to handle as he sprinted on to the pitch in the early stages of the Champions League clash with Juventus.
Cristiano Ronaldo was the target of the pitch invader who took the opportunity to make his way on to the playing surface after a free kick was awarded to the hosts in the opening minutes.
The supporter didn’t quite make it to Ronaldo, however, as he was felled on the edge of the box by a trio of stewards.
But the Portuguese superstar gave in and made the fan’s trip and likely punishment worthwhile by offering a handshake before returning to his defensive position.
United manager Jose Mourinho saw the funny side of the encounter and shared a laugh with opposition boss Massimiliano Allegri.
Unlike his 2013 return to the Theatre of Dreams, Ronaldo failed to get on the scoresheet this time around but he did draw a quite incredible save from United goalkeeper David De Gea in the second half.
A Paulo Dybala goal in the first half was enough to tighten Juventus’ grip on top spot in Group H and guarantee their qualification to the knockout stage.
A couple of other fans attempted to get their hands on Ronaldo after the final whistle, speaking to the 33-year-old’s icon status at the club for whom he made almost 300 appearances between 2003 and 2009.
