[Soccer] Ronaldo Scores in Return for United

Can Cristiano Ronaldo rescue defending English Premier League champion Manchester United, which is far behind in the league standings this season?

In the third round of the Carling Cup against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford Tuesday, Ronaldo headed the ball into the net off a pass from Ryan Giggs in the 25th minute. The goal was the season’s first for the Portuguese star after his two-month recovery from an ankle injury.

Known for breaking down defenses with outstanding skills and dribbling, he scored a combined 42 goals last year and won the Gold Shoe award after scoring 31 league goals. His recovery is good news for United, which is 15th in the league standings with one victory, two ties and one loss.

Ronaldo in the summer had angered both his team and fans by seeking a move to Real Madrid of the Spanish Primera Liga after playing for Portugal in Euro 2008. So good play from the superstar could be crucial in regaining the support of United fans

Thanks to two additional goals from Giggs and Luis Nani, United beat Middlesbrough 3-1 to advance to the next round of the Carling Cup. Park Ji-sung, who scored his season`s first goal against Chelsea Sunday, was not part of United`s roster for the game.

Also in the Carling Cup, Fulham’s Seol Ki-hyeon started against Burnley, but his team was eliminated from the competition, 1-0.

yjongk@donga.com