Ronaldo’s Hat-Trick Mauls Liverpool as United Run RiotRonaldo’s Hat-Trick Mauls Liverpool as United Run Riot In a thrilling encounter at Old Trafford, Cristiano Ronaldo stole the show with a dazzling hat-trick, inspiring Manchester United to a comprehensive 4-0 victory over arch-rivals Liverpool. The Portuguese forward opened the scoring in the 7th minute, firing a clinical strike into the bottom corner after a superb pass from Bruno Fernandes. Ronaldo’s second came just before half-time, as he latched onto a long ball from David de Gea and lobbed the ball over Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Liverpool were outplayed and outclassed throughout the match. Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane were well-marshaled by United’s defense, while the midfield trio of Fabinho, Thiago, and Jordan Henderson struggled to create chances. Ronaldo completed his hat-trick in the 65th minute, converting a penalty after Diogo Jota had fouled Edinson Cavani in the box. The goal sent shockwaves through the stadium and extinguished any lingering hopes of a Liverpool comeback. United’s dominance continued, and they added a fourth goal through Marcus Rashford in the dying minutes. The young English forward slotted home a cool finish after a fine run from substitute Jadon Sancho. The victory was United’s first at Old Trafford against Liverpool since 2018 and extended their unbeaten run in home league matches to nine. It also moved them up to second in the Premier League table, three points behind leaders Manchester City. Ronaldo’s performance was hailed as one of his best in a United shirt. The 37-year-old’s goalscoring exploits have helped revive the club’s fortunes and re-established them as title contenders. For Liverpool, the defeat was a major setback. They have now lost three games in succession and are no longer in the race for the Premier League title. Manager Jurgen Klopp will have plenty to ponder as his team looks to bounce back in the coming weeks.
