Ronaldo Silences His Critics With World Class Display Against Tottenham Hotspur For Manchester United

A day doesn’t go past where Cristiano Ronaldo is not under the microscope and criticised by a plethora of football fans.

But what Ronaldo has done for the best part of 20 years is continually and consistently answer back to those doubters, raising his performance levels and reaching unprecedented heights.

Once again, when on the back foot and under pressure after being left out of the Manchester derby last weekend, Ronaldo comes forward with three magical goals that sum him up as a goal-scorer.

Now becoming the most decorated player of all-time in the men’s game to find the back of the net, Ronaldo stood up when it counted and delivered, almost single-handedly, the three points that Manchester United so desperately longed for.

Akin to his 2008 wonder strike against FC Porto in the Champions League for the Red Devils, the Portugal international hit a thunderbolt from a similar distance which sailed past the flailing Hugo Lloris.

His next two goals – a finish from five yards out and a bullet header to win the game and seal his hat-trick – were archetypal centre forward goals that he has nurtured himself into. The header itself was something to be admired: the aggression, balance, and pure drive to get to the ball and meet it before anyone else, let alone guide it into the top right corner.

There are some valid questions regarding Ronaldo’s overall game suiting Manchester United’s needs in transitional play, but his hindrances are made up for his ability to decide games on his own.

Six goals in six Champions League games for the Red Devils have enabled them to reach the knockout rounds of the tournament, and he will be tasked, once again, to decide the tie and send Manchester United into the quarter final.

Ronaldo has recorded 21 goal involvements (18 goals, three assists) in 32 appearances throughout all competitions this season. For a 37-year-old, who should be firmly in the twilight period of his career, it is quite simply extraordinary to have such a major influence on his team’s fortunes.

Ronaldo is superhuman. That has been made evident over the 20 years he has been operating at the highest level – and he will want to end it on a high.

The Red Devils face a difficult tasking with Atletico Madrid standing in their way to reach the next round, but if the Portuguese forward carries this form into the game, anything can happen.

806 goals and counting, Ronaldo is not finished just yet.