Cristiano Ronaldo’s greatest ever Man United free-kick is in a game you’ve probably never even seen

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Cristiano Ronaldo scored so many blockbuster goals for Manchester United over the years.

He became one of the club’s best-ever players after finding the net with ruthless efficiency, often from distance, and his venomous technique was renowned for terrorising goalkeepers.

Cristiano Ronaldo joined Man United back in 2003 and went on to win three Premier League titles, the Champions League, one FA Cup and two League Cups during his six seasons at Old Trafford.

But arguably his best-ever goal for United came in a game supporters are unlikely to have seen.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s stunning free-kick vs Europe XI

The superstar honed his free-kick abilities with the Red Devils and used them to devastating effect in 2007, when he played for United against a Europe XI in the UEFA Celebration Match.

Lining up for the opposition were fellow greats of the game, including Andrea Pirlo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Steven Gerrard.

Ronaldo started for United, who were managed by Sir Alex Ferguson, and played just 45 minutes. However, he was able to make a jaw-dropping impact during his brief cameo.

Park Ji-sung was fouled around 30 yards from goal and the Portuguese talisman took the free-kick, slamming it into the air and finding the far corner after the ball swerved through the air.

It was another of his infamous knuckleball finishes, and the Old Trafford crowd leapt to their feet.

Largely inspired by Ronaldo’s heroics, United led 4-0 at half-time, before the Europe XI threatened to stage a comeback after the break. In the end, the Red Devils hung on to win 4-3.

How Cristiano Ronaldo developed his free-kick technique

Ronaldo often worked on his free-kicks during training sessions at Carrington, and used advice from United’s coaches, including Rene Meulensteen, to develop his technique.

Meulensteen told Training Ground Guru: “The free kick was another one he started to work on.

“That was his idea. The only thing I said was to take a step to the side, so your approach is more natural with your leg. We filmed it so he could see the difference, and he developed and evolved it.

“He wanted to get better and put the practice in.”