Cristiano Ronaldo announced himself back in the Manchester United starting XI with an inspirational hat trick in their 3-2 Premier League win over rivals Tottenham that sent the Red Devils back into the top four. They unseated Arsenal, who have four games in hand, but the Gunners are in action on Sunday.
Ronaldo found himself at the center of the pregame chat as Ralf Rangnick brought him back into the team against Antonio Conte’s side. And the Portuguese superstar responded in trademark style, bringing his overall personal goal tally to 807, as the outright top goal scorer in men’s football history.
Despite a string of star names on the pitch for both sides, it was Ronaldo who ran the game from the opening whistle, as he crashed home a superb long-distance opener after just 13 minutes.
Spurs did react before the break, as Harry Kane tucked home from the penalty spot, before Ronaldo put United back in front from Jadon Sancho’s cut-back cross just before the break.
However, United struggled to gain enough momentum to see off Spurs’ challenge in the second period, as captain Harry Maguire diverted home an unfortunate own goal for the 2-2 equalizer.
But there was still time for one more twist, as Ronaldo escaped his marker on an Alex Telles corner, to head home a dramatic winner with seven minutes remaining.
Man United now turn their focus to Tuesday night’s Champions League second leg at home against Atletico Madrid with the goal of advancing into the quarterfinals. Their next Premier League match will be at home to Leicester on April 2 as four teams — Man United, Arsenal, West Ham and Tottenham — continue their battle for fourth place and the one remaining Champions League berth for next season.
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