SportBook Service | Cristiano Ronaldo shows his full focus is on football amid rape allegations as Manchester United welcome back their former hero

CRISTIANO RONALDO could never have imagined he would return to Old Trafford under such a dark cloud.

Sat in the No7 Suite in the Sir Bobby Charlton stand, surrounded by pictures of Manchester United legends including himself he fielded questions over allegations he raped a woman in 2009.

Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Manchester United amid rape allegations threatening to overshadow his careerCredit: Getty - Contributor

Ronaldo insists he is innocent of the claims he attacked Kathryn Mayorga in a Las Vegas hotel room.

Yet it was incredible that he chose this particular occasion to be publicly questioned about the allegation.

He spoke about Juventus Champions League clash against United first, before the elephant in the room was let free.

He knew it was coming. He had prepared himself for it.

Ronaldo steps out onto the Old Trafford pitch once againCredit: PA:Press Association

He even smiled when the name of Kathryn Mayorga spoken by an Italian journalist filled the room.

Ronaldo insisted he was happy, that his lawyers were confident of fighting the allegation and that the truth would come out.

It is the Las Vegas police department trying to get to the bottom of it all but it is an investigation that remains open.

Some of Ronaldos sponsors are nervous about it all. Last night, Ronaldo, 33, was putting on a very brave face.

One of the world's most famous athletes put on a brave face during his press conference grillingCredit: EPA

This evening, he has to try to put it all out of his mind as he makes his second return to Old Trafford.

His first in 2013, four years after his 80million switch to Real Madrid, saw him score the goal that dumped United out at the last-16 stage.

Tonight it is a group game but Ronaldo believes that once again he will be on the winning side.

He said: Manchester are a good team, playing at home, and it will be tough for us. We are Juve, we have our weapons and I think we have chance.

If we play in a good way, the way the coach wants, we have a good chance to win.

We have to respect United a fantastic team, experienced coach but I expect and look forward that Juve will win the game.

Ronaldo also had a moment to reflect on his six-year spell at United, which saw him win three Premier League titles and the Champions League.

He said: It is a huge thing to come back. I remember what it was like in Manchester my history, we won lots of trophies, cups, leagues, the Champions League.

I remember the support of the fans, Sir Alex Ferguson... I never forget him.

He was a huge lift in my career and I express best wishes to him.

Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Manchester United to inspect Old Trafford pitch ahead of Juventus Champions League tie

When I knew we were going to play United, it was huge for me.

Ronaldo won four Champions League titles in an incredible spell at Real Madrid but insisted he was glad to now be at the Turin giants.

He said: Im really pleased to be at Juve, adapting in a team and the league its different.

I enjoy it a lot and my team-mates help me a lot. I am glad to play at this fantastic club.

As well as the English and Italian media, a strong Spanish contingent was present and they wanted Rons take on Real Madrids travails.

Real, on a run of five games without a win, thought they could survive without him. They clearly cannot.

But Ronaldo refused to be drawn, saying: Its not up to me to speak about Real.

People know my history with Real. This is not the right moment. Im not here to talk about other teams.

Ronaldo ended the press conference by addressing the rape allegation before he stood up and bid everyone arrivederci.

Juventus boss Max Allegri had been sat alongside Ronaldo throughout the questioning.

Juve boss Max Allegri had to play second fiddle to Ronaldo during the press conferenceCredit: AFP or licensors

The manager normally goes first in these situations, not this time.

He addressed the challenge of the game although everyone was still pouring over Ronaldos words.

Allegri talked of the physical challenge ahead, no doubt having watched how Eden Hazard was handled in Uniteds 2-2 draw with Chelsea on Saturday.

The Italian said: We need to have clear minds.

United have quick payers, technical players and very physical players.

They are a strong team, they have an experienced manager, so were going to have to play the right game.

We have to play football, because if we become engaged in a physical battle, well lose.

Allegri headed off to rejoin Ronaldo and his squad.

The rest of us sat back and took stock of a Champions League press conference that took everyone into very different territory.