Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brilliant hat-trick to fire United back into the top four.
Manchester United defeated Tottenham 3-2 in their Premier League game on Saturday. The Red Devils reclaimed the fourth spot on the table as Ronaldo made a sensational comeback into their lineup.
CR7 back in business! ⚽⚽⚽
Man United started the game without Bruno Fernandes and Scott Mc Tominay due to positive Covid tests, while Cristiano Ronaldo returned to their squad after his controversial absence against Manchester City.
The Portuguese superstar smashed a spectacular strike from behind the box to open the scoring for United in the 12th minute.
Harry Kane levelled the result for the Spurs from the penalty spot, but Ronaldo scored another one to make it 2-1 for the hosts seven minutes before the interval.
Tottenham reinforced their attacks to get back into the game while keeping an eye on Jadon Sancho’s uncontrollable counter-attack efforts. United managed to repel their attacks for most of the second period. However, Spurs got what they were looking for in the 72nd minute, forcing Harry Maguire to score an own goal.
United were desperate to restore their lead when Ronaldo completed his brilliant display with a textbook header. Following a corner from Alex Telles, the 37-year-old jumped above Spurs defenders to smash the ball into the top-right corner of the net.
The goal was enough to secure United’s crucial win as well as Ronaldo’s glorious return to their lineup.
What’s next for United and Spurs?
United will return to Champions League on Tuesday to face Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their last-16 tie.
On the other hand, Tottenham, who slipped to seventh place on the league table after the defeat, will have to meet Brighton a day later.
Player Ratings
Manchester United: De Gea (5), Dalot (7), Varane (6), Maguire (5), Telles (6), Matic (6), Fred (7), Rashford (5), Pogba (6), Sancho (8), Ronaldo (10).
Bench: Cavani (6), Elanga (7), Lindelof (6).
Tottenham: Lloris (6), Romero (5), Dier (6), Davies (5), Doherty (6). Bentancur (7), Hojbjerg (7), Reguilon (6), Kulusevski (7), Son (7), Kane (7).
Bench: Winks (5), Bergwijn (6), Moura (6).