Ronaldo Hat-Trick Powers Man United to Thrashing of BurnleyRonaldo Hat-Trick Powers Man United to Thrashing of Burnley Manchester United returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion on Saturday afternoon, as Cristiano Ronaldo inspired his side to a 4-1 victory over Burnley at Old Trafford. The Portuguese superstar stole the show with a stunning hat-trick, taking his season tally to 13 goals in all competitions. Paul Pogba added the other for the hosts in a dominant display that saw Burnley fall apart in the second half. Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 35th minute, coolly converting from close range after being expertly fed by Bruno Fernandes. The goal gave United the lead they had deserved, having controlled the game from the outset. However, Burnley leveled proceedings against the run of play just before halftime, as Wout Weghorst headed home from a Johann Berg Gudmundsson cross. Undeterred, United came out swinging in the second period and regained the lead thanks to a moment of brilliance from Ronaldo. The 37-year-old eluded several defenders with an exquisite piece of skill before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Ronaldo completed his hat-trick just six minutes later, converting a penalty awarded for a foul on Jadon Sancho. The goal drew wild cheers from the jubilant home crowd. Substitute Pogba put the icing on the cake with a sumptuous goal in the 78th minute. The Frenchman drove forward from midfield and unleashed a powerful shot that arrowed into the far corner. Burnley, who had been reduced to 10 men after Ashley Westwood was sent off for a second booking, never looked like mounting a comeback as United cruised to victory. The result sees United move up to seventh in the Premier League table, while Burnley remain rooted to the bottom. Ronaldo’s hat-trick was his first since returning to Old Trafford in the summer and it provided a timely reminder of his enduring class. The Portuguese superstar has now scored 14 goals in his last 10 games for United and will be looking to continue his scoring form when they face Manchester City in the derby next weekend.
