The stats behind Ronaldo's poll-winning performance
The final score between Manchester United and Norwich City may have been close but the outcome of our Man of the Match contest was far from that, as Cristiano Ronaldo romped to victory in the poll.
There seemed little doubt that the Portuguese icon would claim the award for the eighth time this season from the moment his phenomenal free-kick flashed past Canaries goalkeeper Tim Krul in the 76th minute. That wonder-strike sealed the 60th hat-trick of a remarkable career for club and country but most importantly for those of a Red persuasion, it put United back on track for a vital triumph in the Premier League's top-four race.
Fans expressed their admiration, and possibly some gratitude, by voting for Ronaldo in their droves after the final whistle and he eventually ended up with a gargantuan 92 per cent of the vote. Only one other player picked up more than one per cent, David De Gea; the Spanish shot-stopper would surely have had more recognition for his important role in the thrilling 3-2 win had it not been for Cristiano's decisive outfield performance.
Fans expressed their admiration, and possibly some gratitude, by voting for Ronaldo in their droves after the final whistle and he eventually ended up with a gargantuan 92 per cent of the vote. Only one other player picked up more than one per cent, David De Gea; the Spanish shot-stopper would surely have had more recognition for his important role in the thrilling 3-2 win had it not been for Cristiano's decisive outfield performance.
The other Reds who received votes were captain Harry Maguire, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Elanga, substitute Juan Mata and also Jesse Lingard, who impressed after being handed a rare start. His first-half shot, saved by Krul, led to the Alex Telles corner that Ronaldo headed home to make it 2-0.
Cristiano's second-half winner took his United tally to 21 for 2021/22 so far. That means he has now scored 20 goals or more club goals in 16 consecutive seasons, dating back to 2006/07 - his fourth campaign with the Reds, when he helped Sir Alex Ferguson's side to reclaim the Premier League title.
Cristiano's second-half winner took his United tally to 21 for 2021/22 so far. That means he has now scored 20 goals or more club goals in 16 consecutive seasons, dating back to 2006/07 - his fourth campaign with the Reds, when he helped Sir Alex Ferguson's side to reclaim the Premier League title.
He has now scored 139 times for the club in total across two spells and this was his third hat-trick for the Reds, after his January 2008 strikes against Newcastle United and last month's haul against Tottenham Hotspur.
Elanga's part in setting up Ronaldo's seventh-minute opener also meant that a small piece of club history was made - it was the widest-ever age gap between the scorer and creator of a Premier League goal for United, with Anthony being 17 years and 81 days younger than his team-mate and mentor.
At 37, Cristiano is still going strong and with six more games to come in 2021/22, his amazing numbers are set to rise further still.
Elanga's part in setting up Ronaldo's seventh-minute opener also meant that a small piece of club history was made - it was the widest-ever age gap between the scorer and creator of a Premier League goal for United, with Anthony being 17 years and 81 days younger than his team-mate and mentor.
At 37, Cristiano is still going strong and with six more games to come in 2021/22, his amazing numbers are set to rise further still.