Manchester United bounced back from a crushing defeat at the hands of Everton to post an impressive 3-2 win over Norwich City. They have Cristiano Ronaldo, who netted the 50th hattrick of his club career, to thank for that as their hopes of a top-four finish remain alive.
The Old Trafford, as well as United’s training ground in Carrington, were full of fans protesting against the ownership of the Glazer family. It has been a persistent theme of discontent among the fans and the protest also spilled into the stands of the stadium ahead of the Premuer League match against Norwich.
Ronaldo put United ahead in the contest only after seven minutes on the clock after being set up well by youngster Anthony Elanga. He then converted it into a brace just after the half-hour mark as he beat opposition goalkeeper Tim Krul with a header from a corner-kick routine.
However, the side placed at the bottom of the table pulled one goal back. Striker Teemu Pukki found Kieran Dowell unmarked in the box, and he headed the ball home from six yards out.
Norwich then restored parity in the contest just seven minutes after emerging out of the half-time break. This time Dowell turned provider to Pukki, and the Finnish international kept his composure to beat the offside trap and find the back of the net with a cool finish.
However, Cristiano stood tall and had the final laugh. He scored a wonderful free-kick 15 minutes before the end of regulation time to seal his second hattrick of the season and secure all three points for United. As such, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner ended his free-kick goal drought that lasted for over 18 months.
There was more positive news on the day for United fans. Both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal also lost their Premier League encounters against Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton, respectively.
Brighton became the second team in Premier League history to defeat Tottenham and Arsenal on consecutive weekends, while Arsenal suffered their third straight defeat to the Saints.
This has allowed The Red Devils to enter the race for the top four. They are three points behind Tottenham in fourth and are level on points with Arsenal, although Mikel Arteta’s side have a game in hand.
