Cristiano Ronaldo praises 'magical' Old Trafford atmosphere after Manchester United star marks return to the club with two-goal starring role against Newcastle

• Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice on his return to Manchester United on Saturday 
• The 36-year-old scored either side of half-time in their 4-1 win over Newcastle
• Ronaldo hailed the 'magical' Old Trafford atmosphere during the match
• Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told Man United fans to 'dream' now Ronaldo is back 

Cristiano Ronaldo hailed the 'magical' Old Trafford support that greeted him after he scored twice on his Manchester United return in the club's 4-1 win over Newcastle. 

The 36-year-old was playing his first match in United colours for more than 12 years when he struck either side of half-time to send the Red Devils top of the Premier League for a few hours at least on Saturday. 

In an Instagram post on Saturday night, Portuguese star Ronaldo revealed he pride at being back at the place where he made his name as a footballer and vowed to keep creating moments for the United supporters to savour. 

The post read: 'My return to Old Trafford was just a brief reminder of why this stadium is known as the Theater of Dreams. For me, it has always been a magical place where you can achieve everything you set your mind into.

'Along with all my teammates and with the amazing support that we always get from the stands, we face the road ahead with confidence and optimism that we'll all be celebrating together in the end.

'Proud to be back at Man. United and playing in the Premier League once again, but above all, happy to help the team! Let's go, Devils!'

Ronaldo struck with his first shot on target of the match during the dying moments of an eventful first-half at Old Trafford. 

The veteran forward tapped home from a few yards out after Newcastle goalkeeper Freddie Woodman spilled Mason Greenwood's shot following excellent resistance from the visitors agains the all-star United attack. 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side were pegged back just after half-time when Javier Manquillo finished off a fine counter-attacking move involving Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin to briefly silence the Old Trafford faithful. 

But the Magpies' lead lasted just six minutes as Ronaldo struck again. United's No 7 picked up Luke Shaw's clever pass on the edge of the box and crashed home a left-footed effort between Woodman's legs right underneath the Stretford End.

The three points were sealed by late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Jesse Lingard, but United boss Solskjaer was full of praise for the 'ruthless' Ronaldo.

'(I'm) so happy for Ronaldo, the team and the supporters' said the Norwegian. 'You sensed the atmosphere around the club when he signed. He has delivered today.

'Ronaldo senses the big moments and is ruthless. He is clinical, has lifted the team and everyone around us. The fans can dream, we will keep our feet on the ground.'