Ronaldo rewrites the record books again
Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo, at the age of 37, is keeping statisticians busy with his exploits during this second stint at Old Trafford.
The striker bagged his 18th league goal of the season, slamming home a penalty he earned against Brentford, after earlier having a strike chalked off by VAR.
As a veteran aged 37 or over, it means he matches Johnny Hancocks's feat from 1955/56, with games at Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace still to come, with Preston North End legend Tom Finney one goal behind.
Most top-flight goals in season when 37 or over
— Bill Edgar (@BillEdgarTimes) May 2, 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo, Man Utd, 2021-22: 18
Johnny Hancocks, Wolves, 1955-56: 18
Tom Finney, Preston, 1959-60: 17
Ronaldo has also now added Brentford to the teams he has scored against in his illustrious career after failing to score in the 3-1 win in the capital earlier in the campaign. He has netted against 29 of the 34 sides he has faced in the Premier League.
Our no.7's penalty means he has scored 10 times since the turn of the year and his league tally matches that of his last season at United before moving to Real Madrid (2008/09).
In terms of the top scorers chart for 2021/22, Ronaldo is one behind Son Heung-min after his double for Tottenham in their win over Leicester City at the weekend. He is four adrift of leader Mohamed Salah of Liverpool, in the hunt for the Golden Boot.
With four goals in his last six outings, the Reds' Player of the Month will hope to add to this number in the final two fixtures.
PREMIER LEAGUE APPS/GLS
1. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) 32/22
2. Son Heung-min (Tottenham) 31/19
3. Cristiano Ronaldo (UNITED) 29/18
4. Diogo Jota (Liverpool) 31/15