CRISTIANO RONALDO scored a brilliant hat-trick and set an incredible goalscoring record as Manchester United sunk Tottenham.
The Portuguese superstar added his 805th, 806th and 807th goals in the 3-2 win to move past Josef Bican in Fifa’s official goals list.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brilliant hat-trick against Spurs to become the top goalscorer of all timeCredit: GettyRonaldo opened the scoring with a brilliant 25-yard rocketCredit: APRonaldo, 37, added a second later in the first half – his 806th career goal – to set a new Fifa recordCredit: GettyHe then completed his hat-trick – and sealed the three points – with a powerful headerCredit: Reuters
The striker, left out of the derby defeat to Man City last week, was at his very best to earn United a much-needed three points.
It was only his second ever hat-trick for the Red Devils and his first since his treble in a 6-0 win over Newcastle United in January 2008.
Ronaldo, who came into the game with just one goal in his previous 10 games, opened the scoring with a brilliant rocket into the top corner – the ball flying past a helpless Hugo Lloris after just 12 minutes.
The goal was made possible by Fred whose clever flick deceived Rodrigo Bentancur and found Ronaldo in acres of space.
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Spurs equalised through a Harry Kane penalty but Ronaldo levelled just three minutes later, latching onto a Jadon Sancho cross and sliding home from close range.
United looked to be cruising but Harry Maguire turned into his own net to draw Spurs level once again.
But with just ten minutes left on the clock, Ronaldo proved once again why he is one of the greatest players ever.
From a United corner, the 37-year-old icon leapt higher than anyone else to power in a brilliant header and earn United all three points.
🔥 HIS SECOND-EVER MAN UTD HAT-TRICK 🔥
Cristiano Ronaldo grabs his THIRD of the day as Man Utd lead Spurs 3-2! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/emuFOFmLg1
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 12, 2022
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His treble, the 59th of his career, also made him the second oldest hat-trick scorer in a Premier League game, at 37 years and 35 days, behind only Teddy Sheringham (37 years, 146 days) when he scored three against Bolton for Portsmouth in August 2003.
Incredibly, Ronaldo’s expected goals (xG) for the game came in at just 0.85.
It was a crucial win for United, who had to win to keep hold of any hopes of finishing in a top four spot.
The 3-2 victory moves them into fourth, two points ahead of Arsenal – but having played FOUR more games than the Gunners.
CR7 was at his incredible best against a hapless Tottenham backline, after a tumultuous week in which he has been linked with a move away from United.
Last weekend, Ralf Rangnick planned to leave Ronaldo on the bench for the Manchester derby.
Ronaldo, who had a minor hip injury, promptly refused to play and flew to Portugal instead – placing huge doubt on his United future.
FIFA’S TOP 5 ALL-TIME SCORERS
1) CRISTIANO RONALDO (2001-present) – 807
2) Josef Bican (1931-55) – 805
3) Romario (1985-2007) – 772
4) Lionel Messi (2003-present) – 759
5) Pele (1957-1977) – 757
*(Scoring records recognised by FIFA)
His strike also likely brought a smile to the face of another ‘GOAT’ – NFL legend Tom Brady, who was in attendance at Old Trafford.
The legendary quarterback tweeted before the match that he hoped for a United win.
His second wish of a Kane goal also came to fruition and with United regaining their lead Brady was likely delighted at half-time.
Recently retired Brady, 43, is an idol of Kane’s and the pair have been friends for several years.
The American even wished the England captain good luck ahead of The Three Lions’ campaign in the 2018 World Cup.
