Cristiano Ronaldo has promised Manchester United that he will continue to “fight to the end” to secure a fourth place in the Premier League after his team’s 50th hat-trick drowned Norwich City at Old Trafford.
The 37-year-old scored two goals for United well in advance, but the players were absent from most of the game and allowed Norwich to return to action in the 52nd minute.
Ronaldo completed a hat-trick in the 76th minute when his free-kick of 25 yards was too hot for Tim Krul to score, the goalkeeper was able to help the ball bounce off the post.
When international football was added to the list, Portugal star Ronaldo has 60 hat-tricks in his name.
Amid much controversy, United’s hour-long hero tried to end the importance of his record, emphasizing the importance of winning which increased United’s hopes of playing in the Champions League next season.
It is therefore the fourth target, and Tottenham’s defeat to Arsenal on Saturday allowed United to return to the mix.
They sit in fifth place now, with three points behind Tottenham and ahead of Arsenal in goal difference; However, United, who will face Liverpool in their next title fight, have played just one game for the Gunners.
Ronaldo wrote on Instagram: “We are very happy with this win and get us back on track in the Premier League.
“Individual success is only important if it helps us achieve our goals as a team, and a hat-trick of 60 in my life is very important because it has brought us three points.
“Well done boys, a great effort from everyone. We are not giving up, we are fighting to the end!”