Manchester United faced Norwich at Old Trafford in the Premier League fixture where Cristiano Ronaldo opened the books for the match with an easy goal when opponent defender, Ben Gibson, lost the ball to Anthony Elanga who assisted the Portuguese talisman. 

Before running over the corner flag for the iconic “siuu” celebration, Ronaldo asked Elanga to join him as the two struck the pose with the onlookers echoing the post-goal cheer. 

Apart from the assist, Elanga made a few good runs in the game, opening up several chances. However, the two-goal lead which United secured after Ronaldo netted another header, was lost to Norwich’s determined strikes from Kieran Dowell and Teemu Pukki, making the scores even. 

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However, given a chance to take a free-kick near the penalty box, Ronaldo took a moment to focus before sending in a blazing shot to bag his hattrick in the game. 

Today’s match was just another proof of the close relationship between the Swedish youngster and the Portuguese star. Earlier, in March, Elanga had heaped praises on having Ronaldo’s role in mentoring those at United. 

Speaking to MUTV, he had said, “He’s a really good person to have around the building, not just because of what he does on the pitch, but what he does off the pitch as well”, adding, “If we [younger players] need any help we can speak to him, so he’s a really good person to be around.” 

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United’s victory, comes on Ronaldo’s shoulders, after a lacklustre performance against bottom side Norwich. However, the Red Devils have a stronger claim to the top four spots of the Premier League table after both North London clubs Arsenal and Tottenham Spurs lost the fixtures to Southampton and Brighton, respectively. 

Ralf Rangnick’s side next faces Premier League contenders Liverpool at Anfield, on April 19.