Cristiano Ronaldo struck his 60th career hat-trick to rescue all three points for Manchester United on Saturday. As the Red Devils continue in their fight for a top-four place, Ronaldo continues to defy his critics that he is not the problem for United but rather the solution.
Ronaldo netted thrice for the 50th time at club level and the 37-year-old has bagged back-to-back hat-tricks at Old Trafford after his triple against Tottenham last month. Ronaldo has taken his tally to 21 goals for the season, more than double the amount of United’s next highest goalscorer in Bruno Fernandes who has scored nine across all competitions.
Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored 60 hat-tricks in his career, the most of any active player:
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) April 16, 2022
🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo (60)
🇦🇷 Lionel Messi (55)
37 years young. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/tTrkE9ybPX
Ronaldo has 15 league goals to his name, with Mohamed Salah (20) and Heung-min Son (17) the only Premier League players with more goals this campaign. Ronaldo also notched six goals in the UEFA Champions League, two of them match-winners.
Erik ten Hag is waiting in the wings to be announced as the new manager of United, and there were reports ahead of United’s fixture with Norwich that the current Ajax boss would look to jettison Ronaldo from any squad revamp at Old Trafford. Rumours have also suggested United are looking to bring in a younger striker for next season, and who better to mentor the new addition than the greatest goalscorer of all-time?
If United fail to finish in the top four, Ronaldo may take it upon himself to find a new club playing Champions League football next season. If, against all odds, United do salvage a Champions League spot there should be no question as to whether ten Hag should keep hold of the Portuguese and deploy him as United’s focal point in attack. Ronaldo might be into his 38th year, but he has consistently proven that he still has what it takes and that he certainly knows where the goals are.
Other than the goals he scores, Ronaldo also offers an array of other qualities to the team such as his elite winning pedigree and natural leadership. Even without the captain’s armband Ronaldo has showcased himself as a leader within the team. He has lately displayed promising signs off the ball and has also dropped deeper into midfield during transitional plays.
Shipping out a world-class player with the experience and mentality that Ronaldo possesses would be a risky move and one that ten Hag should not contemplate during his first season in the job. Having to adapt to suit Ronaldo’s style of play could be one reason ten Hag may want to let go of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, however the pros of keeping hold of Ronaldo certainly outweigh the cons.
Unfortunately all things end, good or bad
On i think it’s time to let Go. Personally either way I’m okay with it. Let celebrate the MAN He’s a living Legends 💯