Fourteen years after his first hattrick for Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his second one against Tottenham Hotspur and ensured United's victory on Saturday. Man United defeated Spurs 3-2.
With these three goals, Ronaldo also became football's top scorer of all time including club and country. He surpassed Josef Bican of Slavia Prague who had scored 805 goals. Cristiano Ronaldo is now at 807 goals for club and country. Leo Messi, with 759 goals is at the 4th spot in the list of all time highest goal scorers.
Courtesy of this hattrick by Ronaldo, Manchester United avoided a draw and consolidated their position in the points table. Ronaldo scored the first goal from distance. Tottenham came back after Harry Kane scored a penalty in the 35th minute. Ronaldo scored again on counter in the 38th minute owing to a smart pass by Jadon Sancho from the left-wing.
After half-time, Tottenham equalised as Harry Maguire conceded an own goal in the 72nd minute. Ronaldo didn't budge and scored the winner in the 81st minute. He headed the ball past Hugo Lloris.
Cristiano Ronaldo was criticised for a perceived lack of commitment to the team, but this comeback will serve as an apt reply to his critics. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner made a strong comeback by being instrumental in Manchester United's victory.
After this win, United has maintained their fourth position, but only two points behind Arsenal who have three games in hand. Manchester United will now face Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League RO16.