CRISTIANO RONALDO reached 800 goals for club and country after scoring a brace in the 3-2 win over Arsenal on Thursday.
His double for Manchester United against the Gunners took his total tally to 801 goals in 1095 games.
The Portuguese legend has 12 in 17 appearances since his dramatic return to Old Trafford.
And yet some still think the 36-year-old unbalances United.
The argument is that his late arrival this season upset Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s best-laid plans. He doesn’t press enough by some accounts to fit into modern-day systems. Football has moved on, you know.
You wonder who starts these theories that people jump on.
The fact is that the toughest part of the game is still something Ronaldo is the very best at, scoring goals, and he has done it 801 times in 19 incredible years as a player.
Nobody senses chances like he does, finishes them so efficiently, or can match him when it comes to heading the ball.
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Few would have smelt the danger and then had the poise to slot the ball past the goalkeeper like he did in the win against Arsenal.
As caretaker boss Michael Carrick characterised him: “It’s what he does in the big games and big moments — when you need something, he’s there to deliver.
“He’s got a cold and calculated mentality, he’s so calm, doesn’t snatch at chances.”
After the win, Ronaldo said on Instagram: “Our minds are already set on the next game, there’s no time to celebrate!
“Today’s win was very important to get back on track, but there’s still a long road to go until we reach out destination…
“Congrats to all my team-mates, great spirit tonight!
“And a very special thank you to our supporters, we couldn’t have done it without you.”
Just think how many he could rack up if United had a bit of creation. Carrick is also convinced Jadon Sancho is about to find the form that saw him provide 53 assists to go with his 49 goals in his last three seasons at Borussia Dortmund.
The 21-year-old had not provided a single goal or assist for United since his £73million summer switch — until late November when he had his best game in a Red Devils shirt, scoring his first goal in the 90th minute against Villarreal.
He then added another in the 1-1 draw with Cheslea.
Carrick thinks there’s more to come from Sancho too, who seems to have found his feet in recent weeks.
He added: “Jadon has already proven what he can do at such a young age but there is so much more to come and we are looking forward to what is ahead.
“Creation in any team is important and that’s why we brought him to the club.
“Sometimes it just takes time to adapt. He is a young player coming to such a big club in a new league — and it is not easy just to hit the ground running.
“But there is a spring in his step now and you can see in his body language. There is that little spark, let’s hope it gets bigger.
“He’s a terrific player. He is never happier than when the ball is at his feet, going at defenders, creating chances and scoring.
“But the bigger thing for me was the other side of his game — work-rate, mentality.
“He has got a massive future ahead of him if he keeps doing the right things, looks after himself and has the right attitude.”
Carrick had an immediate impact, having been put in interim charge in the wake of Solskjaer’s sacking.
The United legend temporarily steadied the ship, remaining unbeaten during his time in charge, but has left the club to make way for Ralf Rangnick – who watched on in awe from the North Stand.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
