Cristiano Ronaldo scored another goal in his return with a hat-trick to keep Manchester United’s chances of playing in the Champions League next season alive with a 3-2 win over Tottenham on Saturday. Ronaldo had scored just once in his last 10 matches, but three impressive finishes with 807 goals for club and country according to FIFA’s record clear him as the highest scorer in professional men’s football history.
The win moved United to fourth place, although they are just two points ahead of Arsenal, who have four games in hand.
A fifth loss in eight league games is another blow to Tottenham’s hopes of a top-four spot as they sit seventh, now five points behind United.
Ronaldo’s second spell at Old Trafford has so far proved to be an opposing climax, with his poor form sparking debate over whether the 37-year-old’s powers are waning.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner missed United’s loss in the Manchester derby last weekend and has been criticized for his perceived lack of commitment as he ended up with a hip injury instead of losing 4-1 to his teammates at the Etihad ended. went to Portugal for rehabilitation. ,
He was reinstated in Ralph Rangnik’s starting line-up as one of the five changes from that damaging defeat with Bruno Fernandes was absent due to illness.
It took just 12 minutes for Ronaldo to make his mark with a surprise strike from outside the box into the top corner.
However, United failed to score the first goal and were instead forced to return to a familiar pattern for previous home games this season against strong opposition.
The Spurs quickly put the ball into the net, only for Ben Davis to be deflected off the line by a header from Eric Dier’s corner.
A Tottenham equalizer seemed only a matter of time and was gifted when Alex Telles handled Dejan Kulusevski’s cross for a clear penalty.
Harry Kane continued his stellar form with his sixth goal in as many games, which resulted in a spot-kick.
However, within three minutes, United were back in the front thanks to a historic goal for Ronaldo.
He converted Jadon Sancho’s invitational cross at home to surpass Austria-Czech striker Josef Beacon as football’s all-time record goalscorer according to FIFA records.
United’s defensive shortcomings meant that Ronaldo was not tasked with winning the game as Spurs better enjoyed the second half.
Son Heung-min created a great opportunity with Kulusevski’s cut-back.
When the second equalizer arrived for Antonio Conte’s men, it was United captain Harry Maguire who was more sore to thank.
The England international’s frequent errors have played a big part in his side’s struggles this season and he was turned into a net of his own by Sergio Reguillan’s cross.
Conte yelled sideways to focus his side, but he again succumbed to Ronaldo’s violent instincts.
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United no. The top corner of Seven Tales reached the top to complete in nine minutes for his second United hat-trick and his first hat-trick since returning to Old Trafford in August.
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