Elizabeth O.
Man United vs Tottenham: Ronaldo Breaks Three Records With Hat-trick
Ronaldo had scored just once in his previous 10 games, but the three fantastic finishes took him clear as the highest scorer in professional men’s football history, according to FIFA’s records with 807 goals for club and country.
The hat-trick also made him the player with most game winning goals -257.
With the three goals scored on Saturday, Ronaldo also emerged as the player with the most career hat-tricks -59.
Victory lifts United back into fourth, although they are just two points ahead of Arsenal who have four games in hand.
Ronaldo’s second spell at Old Trafford has so far proven to be an anti-climax with his poor form sparking debate over whether the 37-year-old’s powers are waning.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner missed United’s thrashing in the Manchester derby last weekend and was criticised for a perceived lack of commitment as he jetted off to Portugal to rehab a hip injury rather than watch his teammates lost 4-1 at the Etihad.
He was restored to Ralf Rangnick’s starting line-up as one of five changes from that damaging defeat with Bruno Fernandes the notable absentee due to illness.
It took just 12 minutes for Ronaldo to make his mark with a stunning strike into the top corner from outside the box.
However, United failed to build on the early goal and were instead forced back in a familiar pattern to previous home games this season against stronger opposition.
Spurs quickly had the ball in the net in response only for Ben Davies to be flagged offside before Eric Dier’s header from a corner was cleared off the line.
A Tottenham equaliser seemed only a matter of time and was gifted to them when Alex Telles handled Dejan Kulusevski’s cross for a clear penalty.
SOURCE: The Punch
