Real Madrid icon Cristiano Ronaldo has set new personal benchmark in goal scoring excellence with a virtuoso display in Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Tottenham.
Ronaldo was recalled to the starting line up after missing United’s 4-1 derby defeat at Manchester City last weekend and he responded in typically dominant style.
Two first half goals put United in front at the break, before a late header sealed the win, and a first hat trick since his return to Old Trafford last summer.
However, the goals were even more important on a historical level, as Ronaldo set a new record as the highest ever goal scorer in FIFA-recognised competitive men’s football.
His second goal brought him on to 806 goals in official games with his hat trick establishing a two goal gap on previous record holder Josef Bican.
A statemented return to form will have United fans full of confidence over their Portuguese talisman ahead of next week’s Champions League last 16 second leg at home to Atletico Madrid.