Manchester United players' reaction to Everton win is what Erik ten Hag has wanted

Ronaldo's impact

Cristiano Ronaldo had nine shots in Nicosia on Thursday night without scoring his elusive 700th club goal, but needed just one to hit that record at Goodison Park.

Introduced as a substitute for the injured Anthony Martial, he struck fiercely to give Manchester United the lead before half-time, his first goal from open play for the club since the end of April. It felt fitting the goal was created by his former Real Madrid teammate Casemiro, given the time they've spent sitting next to each other on the bench this season.

Ronaldo's profligacy in front of goal in Cyprus distracted from what was actually a much-improved performance. He looked sharper than he has done for a long time and got in the right positions to receive all those chances that went beginning.

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He was out to warm up within 15 minutes at Everton, a clear sign that the injury affecting Martial in the warm-up was going to bring an early end to his participation. He was booed at first sight by Everton fans who remember his petulant reaction to smashing a phone out of a young supporter's hand after defeat here on April.

Ironically, Ronaldo must answer an FA charge over that incident today and just as it looks like a spot is opening up for him in the team, it would be typical of his season if a suspension brought that to a halt.

It was telling he was introduced before Jadon Sancho here, Erik ten Hag resisting the temptation to put Rashford through the middle. Ronaldo certainly contributed.

He had been animated again in the warm-up. For all that he must be unhappy with his situation at the club, he often looks buoyant. He was involved in an animated chat with Steve McClaren and Fred during some drills