Cristiano Ronaldo Nets Historic Hat Trick as Manchester United Sink Tottenham to Climb to 4th

• Ronaldo scored his 807th career goal as his hat trick helped his side see off Tottenham 3-2 in a thriller
• Tottenham had twice pegged back the Red Devils, through a Harry Kane penalty and Maguire’s own goal
• But United got the final say as Cristiano’s header from Alex Telles’ cross gave Ralf Rangnick’s side all three points

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first Manchester United hat trick in 14 years as Manchester United edged Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 in a thriller.

The Portuguese forward proved to the world once again that he was fully capable of changing the game despite his advanced age as he single-handedly set his team on course for victory against their top-four rivals.

Ronaldo twice gave his side the lead, but Manchester United were pegged back by Spurs, although it was the hosts who got the final say in the game through their top scorer.

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How it happened

Ronaldo made a return to the team after conspicuously missing the Manchester Derby through a hip-flexor injury,

Despite the Portugal forward’s return, Tottenham showed little fear as they exhibited some determination, despite going behind twice.

Ronaldo initially found the opener for the game, and it was a goal to behold as he arrowed into the net from well outside the penalty box.

But Tottenham were no pushovers as they pressed for the equaliser, with Ben Davies seeing his goal ruled out for offside.

An equaliser was eventually found as Dejan Kulusevski's cross hit the stray hand of Alex Telles inside the box, and Harry Kane scored the resulting penalty.

Tottenham’s work was undone after Jadon Sancho squared the ball for Ronaldo and the superstar made no mistake as he handed his side the second goal.

Antonio Conte’s side were however rewarded once again for their persistence, as Heung Min Son fed Sergio Reguilon with a ball only for Harry Maguire to divert the cross past his own goalkeeper.

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The contest looked to be headed for a draw, which would have been a fair result considering the overall balance of play.

But Ronaldo had other plans as his towering header from Alex Telles’ cross found the back of the net for the winner.