Manchester United youngster Sam Mather took his opportunity in more ways that one during this weekend's Under-18's fixture against Leeds United.
In what was United's first victory of the season, Mather doubled his team's lead at Leeds training complex Thorpe Arch in the 74th minute. The 16-year-old winger burst down the inside left channel, receiving the ball inside the box before lashing it into the net.
Sam Mather did @Cristiano's celebration after scoring against Leeds 👀😄
He followed that up by fittingly wheeling away behind the goal before performing a nice mid air pirouette in the name of Cristiano Ronaldo, who Mather will be sharing the corridors with at Carrington soon enough. It speaks volumes of the impact the news has had right through United. Every player and staff member will be ready to welcome the 36-year-old once he formally returns next week.
Wow wow wow, he’s home 🤩♥️ @Cristiano
Even the fan inside United's first team players can't even be contained. Marcus Rashford wasted no time in welcoming Ronaldo back on Twitter, whilst footage of an 18-year-old Ronaldo has surfaced coaching Jesse Lingaard.
Cristiano Ronaldo teaching Jesse Lingard his tricks. How time flies.
And United's Under-18s have clearly been inspired. Daniel Gore and Kobbie Mainoo were the other goal scorers away to their rivals in a match that recent signing Ethan Ennis also featured.
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You have to wonder how much these lads are buzzing for Monday and the opportunity to be in Ronaldo's presence, whether it be in the canteen, changing rooms or out on the pitches at the training ground.
Featured Image Credit: MUTVTopics: Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo