Cristiano Ronaldo's Man Utd debut: When it is and how to watch

Cristiano Ronaldo made a sensational switch to Manchester United this summer, returning to the club that first elevated his status to superstar level.

The Portugal captain left Juventus during the summer transfer window for a £20 million ($28m) fee and has been reunited with his signature No.7 jersey after former occupant Edinson Cavani vacated it for the No.21.

So when will Ronaldo make his second debut with the Red Devils, and how can it be watched? Goal takes a look.

When will Cristiano Ronaldo make his second Man Utd debut?

Ronaldo is set to make his second debut for the Manchester United on Saturday September 11, in a Premier League fixture against Newcastle at Old Trafford.

The match between Manchester United and the Magpies kicks off at 3pm BST (10am ET).

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed ahead of the Newcastle game that Ronaldo would "definitely be on the pitch at some point", which suggests he could appear from the bench if he doesn't start.

There had been reports that Ronaldo could instead be making his full debut on Tuesday September 14 in the Champions League against Young Boys, due to the striker having to isolate in accordance with Covid-19 rules following international duty with Portugal.

It was suggested that due to the limited time that Ronaldo would be able to train with his new team-mates ahead of Saturday's game, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could delay his full debut until the Champions League fixture.

However, Manchester United excited supporters with an update of Ronaldo joining training on September 7, strongly hinting that the forward could very well still be set to make an appearance this weekend.

While they did not confirm that Ronaldo will certainly make his debut against the Magpies, they strongly clued in as such. 

"With challenges to come at home and abroad in the near future, including Saturday's Premier League match against Newcastle and next Tuesday's start of the Champions League at Young Boys, it is hoped the striker will be ready to assist the side and begin to have an immediate impact in his second spell at the club," a statement from the Man Utd official website read.

"With the rest of our international contingent due to return to Carrington in the coming days, the countdown is beginning in earnest to Saturday's 15:00 BST kick-off with the Magpies."

Will Cristiano Ronaldo's second Man Utd debut be on TV?

Ronaldo's second Man Utd debut will not be shown on television in the UK, due to the game being played at 3pm on Saturday.

English football rules state that matches played at 3pm on Saturdays are forbidden to be broadcasted, as per the famous 3pm blackout guidelines.

Commentary can be followed live on Goal or alternatively, action can be listened to on BBC Radio 5 Live.

In the U.S. the game will be shown on the various channels of the NBC network, including UNIVERSO, Telemundo Deportes and the NBC Sports app.

How can I watch Cristiano Ronaldo's Man Utd debut?

While the 3pm football blackout might come to the frustration of many, Old Trafford match-goers on Saturday will be afforded the privilege of being the only people able to witness Ronaldo's second debut with the club live.

In the UK, there is no option to watch Ronaldo's second debut unless you have a ticket to the game at the Theatre of Dreams.

Highlights will be available to watch once the game ends on the Manchester United official website for interested fans, as well as on BBC's Match of the Day in the regular roundup.

The game will be available to watch in the U.S., however, with NBC and UNIVERSO broadcasting.

When was Cristiano Ronaldo's first Man Utd debut?

Ronaldo's first Manchester United debut came in a 4-0 win against Bolton Wanderers on August 16, 2003.

Then 18 years old, the Portugal winger came on as a substitute for Nicky Butt just after the hour mark and proceeded to win over the Old Trafford fans, who sang "There's Only One Ronaldo".

Among the players in the team that day were Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs and none other than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who is now Ronaldo's manager.

Sir Alex Ferguson described Ronaldo's debut as "marvellous", while Sam Allardyce, who was manager of the Bolton team, said the teen was "different class".