Manchester United secured a much-needed 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford to instil some pride into the red side of town after a heavy defeat to their local rivals. Beating an inconsistent Spurs side was no easy feat for Ralf Rangnick’s mentally depleted side. We witnessed greatness in the process of winning. A moment that will forever go down in the history books as Cristiano Ronaldo becomes FIFA’s all-time leading goal scorer.
Now, one can only hope that a historic night and well-earnt victory will spark some momentum ahead of an all-important European clash. Here are five things we learnt watching United bag three points against Antonio Conte’s men.
THAT BOY RONALDO
He’s like nothing we’ve ever seen. A phenomenon. An icon. Dazzling in red, the once-departed legend becomes our hero in a time of despair. Scoring an incredible hat-trick, the Portuguese phenom has etched his name into the history books and won the hearts of the Old Trafford faithful yet again. Netting an astonishing 807 goals ranks him as the highest goal-scorer for club and country.
Exactly 14 years and two months since his last Premier League hat-trick, Ronaldo proved once more that he is the star of the theatre. Silencing the critics, his greatness can no longer be ignored or denied. While many question the grit and determination of this team, there can be no questions asked of this man. His performance was another reminder that the problems we’re seeing don’t stem from him. Every move and decision he makes on the pitch has a purpose and most of all shows just how much this club means to him.
His first goal was a powerful shot from outside the box, reminiscent of his strike in Porto 13 years ago. He restored United’s lead just minutes after Harry Kane equalised for Spurs and finally, his thumping header from Alex Telles’ delivery was the winning goal.
His 59th hat-trick and latest accolade in his long storied career unfolded in the same place where it all started at just 18 years of age. Once again, he lights up Old Trafford. Viva Ronaldo.
SANCHO ATTACKING SPARK
Just another friendly reminder that Jadon Sancho is a baller. We asked for consistency and that is what we’re starting to see. Six-goal contributions in his last nine appearances, netting three goals and providing three assists — a signing that’s starting to pay off.
Sancho set up a sublime pass for Ronaldo’s second goal, bursting a gap in Spurs’ backline. But it’s his supreme footballing IQ that sets him apart from the rest. He sparks every counterattack and has also shown great versatility to his game as he is productive on either flank. He looks best suited to a counter-attacking system over a possession style of play. On the transition, he runs into spaces with ease to create chances, take on defenders and show off his skill.
While it’s taken some time for the 21-year-old to find his grove in England, it was well worth the wait. It was certainly one of his finest performances in a red shirt.
PASTOR FRED
Since Rangnick’s arrival, Fred’s goal contributions have sky-rocketed, but today we saw a different player. We saw a player so technical, nutmegging anybody who came in his way, completing all his dribbles and providing a delightful flick to serve Ronaldo’s second goal. This brings his assist tally to four this season.
Energy is something Fred has always displayed. But way too often he has shown that he lacks the technical skills to win a midfield battle. But Nemanja Matic’s calming presence as the central defender sitting just in front of the backline afforded Fred the freedom to drive forward and make an impact in the final third. This shows just how much a CDM will transform this side to enable box-to-box midfielders like Fred to press higher up the pitch.
SWITCHED OFF…AGAIN
The match could’ve ended in a deflating 2-2 draw as conceding late goals and dropping a lead isn’t unordinary for this team. Spurs simply lacked the cutting edge to deliver an end product. After the second goal in the first half, United weren’t looking to get on the front foot and relied on the defence to keep hold of a one-goal cushion. However, conceding 11 times from the 76th-minute mark and later doesn’t fill anyone with a lot of confidence that the defence is good enough to protect a lead.
Pogba failed to close down Pierre-Emile Højbjerg who was constantly spraying balls onto the right flank which created many opportunities for Spurs. With Raphaël Varane back in the starting line-up, pairing him with Victor Lindelöf seemed like the move to make. However, it was Harry Maguire who got the nod and unfortunately, his miserable spell continues after netting an own goal. With no end in sight of individual errors, it begs the question of how long it’ll be until we can comfortably hold onto a lead and secure a clean sheet.
BIG 3 POINTS
While this win puts United back into fourth spot, I don’t expect it will last. Finishing outside the top four does seem more likely given the games others have at hand. Relying on a few teams to have a major slip up may not work out in the end. However, it’s a big three points in terms of boosting the morale of this club after an embarrassing display against Manchester City last week.
All eyes now turn to the Champions League as beating Atlético Madrid to advance into the latter stages of the competition is the only hope we have of turning this season around.