In what was being billed as a must-win showdown for both sides on Saturday evening, Manchester United managed to collect an action-packed 3-2 win at home against Tottenham.
Two teams who are in direct competition for what appears to be the final Champions League spot this season, the former Premier League champions also saw attacking icon Cristiano Ronaldo make even more history at Old Trafford.
Handing Spurs what could turn out to be a critical blow in their bid to book a top-four return this year, we have taken a look at the main talking points as Manchester United drew a line under their March blip.
Rangnick gets the response he was looking for
Putting in a woeful second-half display at the Etihad last weekend in the Manchester derby, interim United boss Ralf Rangnick made it clear that he was demanding his side to show an immediate response on Saturday evening.
Making their return to Old Trafford and coming under real scrutiny over recent weeks, there is no doubt that the former RB Leipzig manager will be boosted by a host of positives here.
Although their attacking talisman might have rightfully stolen all of the headlines, the likes of Fred put in a gritty display as the inconsistent English giants managed to pick up just their third Premier League victory since January 22nd.
Showing plenty of resolve as Spurs mounted two separate rallies on either side of the half-time break, United will be desperate to keep up this momentum when they turn their attention back to European duties in a few days time.
While Rangnick might still have a headache over his side’s continued issues at the back after now shipping six goals in back-to-back top-flight outings, they should be relishing Atletico Madrid’s arrival on Wednesday night.
With a certain ‘CR7’ once again underlining what he is capable of here, the Red Devils have it all hanging in the balance after they snatched a late 1-1 draw away in the Spanish capital a fortnight ago.
Who else but Ronaldo?
Opening the scoring with what was a sublime 25-yard driven effort with just 12 minutes on the clock, the stage on Saturday evening was certainly set for Cristiano Ronaldo to steal the show.
Not even on the bench for last weekend’s 4-1 drumming in the Manchester derby, it has been no secret that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has come under real criticism since making his blockbuster Old Trafford return last summer.
However, despite only bagging a single strike from any of his previous 10 appearances across all competitions before opening the scoring here, the Portuguese icon showed why many regard him to be the best goalscorer in footballing history.
Tapping home Jadon Sancho’s precise square ball as he guided United to a 2-1 lead at half-time, Ronaldo really rolled back the years as he produced a devastating header with just under 10 minutes left.
Hanging in the air for what felt like an eternity and powering past the helpless Hugo Lloris, the former Real Madrid superstar also made more history at Old Trafford.
Recording his 59th professional hat-trick and his first for Manchester United since 2008, many believe that Ronaldo’s 807th career strike here means he is now officially the all-time men’s top goalscorer.
Positives in defeat for Spurs
Putting in a thumping display earlier in the week as they cruised their way to a 5-0 romp against relegation scrappers Everton in north London, Tottenham made the trip to Old Trafford on Saturday evening smelling the chance to cause an upset.
However, while Spurs might have eventually failed to mount a third comeback at Old Trafford, Antonio Conte was quick to praise his side’s overall display here.
Watching the red-hot Harry Kane convert from the spot and bag his sixth Premier League strike in his last five appearances, the Lilywhites were certainly smelling blood as Harry Maguire turned into his own net with just under 20 minutes left on the clock.
With Son Heung-Min firing the wrong side of David de Gea’s post prior to Ronaldo’s dramatic late header, the former Inter Milan boss will know that his side face a stern test if they’re to book a Champions League return this season.
Despite feeling like they should have left the red half of Manchester with something to show for their troubles, Spurs still find themselves sat seventh in the table and now five points adrift of Saturday’s hosts.
Knowing that they don’t have time to feel sorry for themselves if they’re to clinch an upset Champions League return, Tottenham will be next seen when they meet bitter London rivals West Ham.
Match Report:
Manchester United: De Gea. Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Telles, Matic, Fred, Rashford, Pogba, Sancho, Ronaldo
Subs: Lindelof, Elanga, Cavani
Tottenham: Lloris, Romero, Dier, Davies, Doherty, Bentancur, Hojberg, Reguilon, Kulusevski, Son Heung-Min, Kane
Subs: Moura, Winks, Bergwijn
Goals: Manchester United: Ronaldo 12′, 38′, 81′ – Tottenham: Kane 35′ pen, Maguire OG 72′
Yellow Cards: Manchester United: Pgba, Fred – Tottenham: Dire
Red Cards: N/A
Referee: Jonathan Moss
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