CRISTIANO RONALDO said he braved the pain for the goal that turned a crucial Champions League tie Manchester United’s way.

The Portugal winger ran from deep to get on the end of a chip from Paul Scholes and score with a brave header to stun Roma last night.

It was Ronaldo’s 36th goal of the season and United went on to defeat the Italian title-chasers 2-0 – with Wayne Rooney extending their lead.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are now in the driving seat going into the quarter-final second leg at Old Trafford next Wednesday.

Ronaldo can barely remember his goal as he was left dazed and needing treatment.

He said: “I don’t remember much about the goal. I went down and I felt pain. I didn’t enjoy it.

“But I will have time to watch it on television – others say it’s a good goal.”

The only downside for United was a knee injury sustained by defender Nemanja Vidic.

The Serbia international was due to have a scan today to assess the extent of the problem.

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