Manchester United edged past a determined Norwich by a goal as the scoreline at Old Trafford read 3-2, thanks to a phenomenal performance from talismanic striker Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese pro bagged his 50th club hattrick in the process.

Ronaldo’s first goal came early in the game due to a fumble from Norwich defender Ben Gibson. Teammate Anthony Elanga went for the ball and won possession, passing it to Ronaldo who drove it into the back of the net for one of the easier goals of his career. 

The first half saw Ronaldo manage a brace with a header. However, Norwich started pushing back, getting one goal in before the halftime whistle. 

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The second half saw the table bottom squad put the pressure on a lacklustre united, equalizing the score. With the pressure mounting, Ronaldo attempted a brave volley, one which was nowhere close to the mark and earned the exacting striker’s disapproval too. However, throughout the match, Ronaldo looked menacing and hungry to get the hattrick. 

This chance came to him when he had to take a free kick near Norwich’s penalty area. Taking a moment to focus, Ronaldo hit the shot, which got away from the Norwich goalie’s hands, hit the bar, and went into the back of the net. 

Ronaldo’s stunning performance comes at a time when the Portuguese star’s position at the club is unsure. Incoming manager Erik ten Haag wants Ronaldo out and the former Ajax manager has reportedly made it clear to the United hierarchy that the Portuguese pro doesn’t suit the Dutchman’s style of play. 

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German interim coach, Ralf Rangnick, spoke of Ronaldo’s future after his performance against Norwich. He said, “Cristiano has got another year of contract. This will be a decision for the new manager to take, together with the board”. 

Rangnick added, “Again, he showed against Tottenham and today’s game, that he can be the difference maker, in moments like this, in games like this, and it is no coincidence he has the best goalscoring record of all players in history. He showed that again today”, as per Manchester Evening News.