Cristiano Ronaldo set a record for scoring another goal in his comeback 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 was 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. went to Portugal for rehabilitation. ,
He was reinstated in Ralph Rangnik’s starting line-up as one of five changes from that damaging defeat with Bruno Fernandes notably 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 build on the opening 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 in response to a header from Eric Dier’s corner being deflected off the line.
A Tottenham equalizer seemed only a matter of time and he was gifted when Alex Telles handled Dejan Kulusevski’s cross for a clear penalty.
Harry Kane continued his stellar form to score his sixth goal in as many games as he beat the resulting spot-kick.
Within three minutes, however, 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 creates a splendid chance from Kulusevski’s cut-back.
When the second equalizer arrived for Antonio Conte’s men, it was United captain Harry Maguire thanks to more misery.
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 Reguilon’s cross.
Conte yelled at the edge to focus his side, but he again succumbed to Ronaldo’s violent instincts.
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United No. Seven rose to the top to complete Telles’ corner in nine minutes for his second United hat-trick in the top corner and his first since returning to Old Trafford in August.
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