Already qualified from Group F, the Red Devils fell behind when Tomasz Kuszczak allowed Abel's driven cross-shot from the right touchline to beat him at his near post in the 21st minute.

But Carlos Tevez, on as a half-time substitute, was credited with the scrambled equaliser before Ronaldo scored his last-ditch winner from 25 yards out to ensure United claimed top spot in the group.

"I practice (free-kicks), it was a fabulous goal I think," Ronaldo said after the match. "I'm very happy, not just because I scored but because of the win.

"In the second half we played very well and deserved the win because we created so many chances. In the first half we didn't play very well."

Asked about his celebration of the goal - in contrast to the corresponding match in Lisbon, when he scored but did not celebrate - Ronaldo told ITV1: "Because I scored the second goal, I was very happy.

"Sporting people know this is my job, my club is Manchester. The first game, in Lisbon, was different.

"I respect these people, they like me and I like them too.

"It is always important to win. You know you are top of the group and you deserve it."