Ronaldo Scores Hat-Trick as United Edge Closer to Top FourRonaldo Scores Hat-Trick as United Edge Closer to Top Four Manchester United returned to winning ways with an emphatic 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday, thanks to a stunning hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a clinical finish from Marcus Rashford’s cross. He doubled United’s lead just seven minutes later, heading home a pinpoint assist from Alex Telles. Tottenham managed to pull one back just before halftime through Heung-min Son, but Ronaldo was not to be denied. In the 81st minute, he completed his hat-trick with a powerful header from a Telles corner. Ronaldo’s goals took his tally for the season to 20, making him the first United player to reach the milestone since Zlatan Ibrahimović in 2016/17. The victory lifted United into fifth place in the Premier League table, just four points behind fourth-placed Arsenal. The Red Devils now have a game in hand on their north London rivals, giving them a significant advantage in the race for a top-four finish. Manager Ralf Rangnick praised Ronaldo’s performance, saying: “He was clinical in front of goal today. He showed once again why he is one of the best strikers in the world.” Ronaldo’s hat-trick also silenced the critics who had questioned his influence on the team since his return to Old Trafford last summer. The 37-year-old has now scored 12 goals in 18 appearances for United this season. With Ronaldo in such scintillating form, United will be confident of maintaining their push for a top-four finish. They face Brighton and Hove Albion away next week before a crucial home clash against Arsenal on April 23.
