What a strike!

Ronaldo’s unforgettable accuracy against Portsmouth in 2008 is the winner of DHL Legendary Free Kicks

Fans vote, Ronaldo wins. Arguably one of the best free kicks in Cristiano Ronaldo’s career and in Manchester United history, this magic moment will now forever be the winning DHL Legendary Free Kick!

Watch the video here to relive Ronaldo’s Legendary Kick  and hear what United players, legends and staff have to say about this Legendary Moment.

The vote came down to Ronaldo’s 2008 precision strike against Portsmouth and David Beckham’s sensational second-minute shot versus Manchester City in 2000. Fans, who voted on Twitter, chose Ronaldo.

I think if he takes it back 10 yards he still scores.

Clayton Blackmore, Manchester United 1982-1994

The Legendary Free Kick
Following a cynical block from Portsmouth’s Sol Campbell, Cristiano Ronaldo was the only man who was going to step up and take the resulting free kick. Lining up from 30 yards, Ronaldo lashed the ball with incredible pace and power into the very top corner. David James stood motionless and even Cristiano himself looked impressed with the strike which was his second in a 2-0 win. 

The 30-yard free kick against Portsmouth in January 2008 is a now famous moment in Manchester United history and one of the lingering images of Ronaldo’s career at Old Trafford. Players and staff remember it well.

“The best free kick I’ve seen,” says former United player Clayton Blackmore, who made 245 appearances for the Red Devils from 1982 to1994. “I think if he takes it back 10 yards he still scores.” 

From that distance, to get up and over the wall into the top corner was magnificent.

United midfielder Jesse Lingard

“It was brilliant,” says United defender Matteo Darmian.

“From that distance, to get up and over the wall into the top corner was magnificent,” adds United midfielder Jesse Lingard

The way the ball dipped and swerved left Portsmouth keeper David James powerless. He was forced to watch the ball smash into the back of the net just inches from the top right-hand corner.

The kick was part of a stunning double-pack show, which the Portuguese star put on in the space of three minutes. After putting his team up 1-0 on nine minutes, Ronaldo lined up for a standard he’d likely practiced hundreds of time and simply lashed the ball into the very top right-hand corner. It was yet another display of his unique gifts that drew audible gasps of disbelief from the Old Trafford crowd.
 
“It had a lot of power in it, precision was perfect,” says United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin

Portsmouth were shell shocked and the reigning champions remained dominant the rest of the match. It was a special moment on United’s way to a second consecutive Premier League title. It’s a moment etched in our memories forever and is now official legendary.

“I’ll never forget it,” says long-time United fan and current Assistant Kit Manager, Ian Buckingham.

Relive the moments
In football as in life, the devil is truly in the detail. This season like the last, DHL relived some of the great details – the #LegendaryMoments – in Manchester United history. Throughout the season we have looked back at some of United’s greatest moments. We dove into the great goals, assists, saves, tackles, dribbles and free kicks that have wowed Reds fans over the decades. We hope you’ve enjoyed the journey.

But it doesn’t stop there! The boys from Old Trafford continue to fight, having booked a return trip to Wembley next month for the FA Cup final. So stay with us @DHLManUtd.

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