Manchester United on Sunday was faced with a must-win challenge against Tottenham, they were playing at Old Trafford and 3 points was the only option to keep their top 4 hopes alive.
With Arsenal propelling due to their ridiculous form of late, Man United needed to find answers and their ace in the pack became the messiah again and again and again.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a sensational hat-trick, despite Harry Maguire putting the ball into his own net.
So, let’s discover all of that, as we put this match under the microscope!
It was Ronaldo 3, Tottenham 2, and here is how it all happened!
Story of the match
The match had an extremely fast start as Cristiano broke the ice in the 12th min of the game.
A sumptuous, powerful hit from outside the box beat Lloris and United went 1-0 up. With that shot, shades of the old Ronaldo were reminiscent in this modern-day one.
In the 35th min of the game, Harry Kane put away the penalty which was awarded to Spurs for a clear handball by Alex Telles.
Tottenham was back in the contest only for Ronaldo to score his 2nd goal of the night 3 min later. Jadon Sancho squared the ball for Ronaldo, setting him up for virtually a tap in and the Portuguese obliged.
It was 2-1 Manchester United and the half ended with the same scoreline.
The score would remain the same, until the 72nd min of the game, when Harry Maguire put the ball into the back of his own net. The club captain trying to defend a ball that was squared into the box provided a finish that any number 9 can be proud of. Unfortunately for him, it was at the wrong end.
The scores were level and you could sense a feeling of misery at Old Trafford. Reality had hit them hard, exposing their frailties. The truth that United is no longer is the same club it once was smacked fans hard in the face.
But 9 mins later Fergie’s boy converted the depression around the venue into limitless Euphoria, Cristiano Ronaldo had scored and proved his card still holds value.
Ronaldo scored his 2nd hattrick for United, the first one came a staggering 14 years ago, and along with this he also became the highest goal scorer in professional football!
The match ended at 3-2 and despite having many problems prevalent at the club, Old Trafford couldn’t care less as they relished and joyed in the feats of their hero.
From the time of the third goal going in till the end of stoppage time and beyond, you could hear nothing else than the shouts of Cristiano at Old Trafford.
Stretford End and likewise couldn’t stop singing about the Portuguese, who for one night’s time rolled back the years and showcased a piece of nostalgia!
Manchester United is still not without any problems though, from the dressing room till playing on the pitch they have a plethora of problems.
In terms of leadership, tactics, player’s ego, and power balance. Yet for one night Cristiano made Old Trafford forget that. As they cheered him away till the end of the tunnel.
Manchester United have still many questions to answer, and they are sadly not back, but CR7 sure is!