Ronaldo Nabs Hat-Trick as United Edge Past CityRonaldo Nabs Hat-Trick as United Edge Past City Old Trafford witnessed a thrilling Manchester derby on Saturday as Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Manchester United to a 3-2 victory over rivals Manchester City. The Portuguese superstar wasted no time in making his mark on the game, netting a stunning opener with just five minutes on the clock. Ronaldo found the back of the net again midway through the first half, doubling United’s lead with a cool finish. City responded through Jack Grealish just before the interval, but Ronaldo completed his hat-trick with a clinical strike early in the second half. The goal brought his tally to 14 goals in all competitions this season. Pep Guardiola’s side refused to give up and pulled a goal back through Bernardo Silva. However, United held on for a hard-fought victory that keeps them in the hunt for a top-four finish. Ronaldo’s heroics were hailed by United manager Erik ten Hag, who said: “Ronaldo is an extraordinary player. To score a hat-trick against a strong team like City shows his quality.” Guardiola admitted his disappointment with City’s performance, but praised Ronaldo’s impact. “Ronaldo is a great player. He has scored a lot of goals against us,” he said. The victory extends United’s unbeaten run to 10 games in all competitions. They now sit one point behind fourth-placed Tottenham with eight games remaining. City, meanwhile, remain in second place, five points behind leaders Arsenal. They will be looking to bounce back when they face Aston Villa in their next league match.
