CRISTIANO RONALDO demanded team-mates show their love for Manchester United by “sacrificing everything” to bring back the good times.
The superstar striker gave a stirring speech prior to his second debut in which he told how he had returned to United to not only win trophies, but bring back a “winning mentality” which would serve as his legacy.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed how Ronaldo gave a speech to United’s squad on the eve of scoring twice in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Newcastle.
A source told SunSport: “Ronaldo’s speech was very powerful and uplifting. The whole group of players and coaching staff listened in silence.
“He told his team-mates: ‘I have returned to Man United for two reasons.
“The first is because I love the club. The second is I love the winning mentality that breeds through the ranks of this club.
“I have not come back to be a cheerleader. If you guys want to succeed, then I need you to love this club from the bottom of your hearts.
“You need to eat, sleep and fight for this club. Whether you play or do not play, you need to support your teammates and always give 100 per cent for the club.
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
“I am here to win and nothing else. Winning brings us happiness. I want to be happy, do you?’
Ronaldo added how he had watched from afar as United had struggled over the past few years following the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, admitting the club “has taken a fall”.
But he told the squad he believed in them and that they had enough talent to bring back winning ways.
He added: You are all amazing players and I believe in you, or else I would have not returned.
“The fans will support you, if you give your best. I just want to create a winning mentality, so when I do retire one day, the winning mentality will remain, and this group of players will dominate football, like we did in the past.
“I will do my best for the team but I need your support too. Are you ready to fight? Are you ready to leave everything on the pitch?”
Following the emotional speech, the players gave Ronaldo a round of applause.
Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
