'Ok Cristiano, you shoot' - Reds react to Ronaldo treble and United win
Hat-trick scorer Cristiano Ronaldo is the name on everybody’s lips right now, including those of Juan Mata and Alejandro Garnacho.
The Manchester United no.7 scored his 60th career treble to inspire the Reds to a 3-2 win over Norwich City on Saturday afternoon. Three goals came from Ronaldo, and three points came to United, who now sit fifth in the Premier League table with hopes of achieving a top-four finish slightly bolstered.
It was Mata who stood alongside Cristiano as a well-positioned free-kick waited to be struck in the 76th minute. Ronaldo scored it to complete a significant personal achievement and, more importantly, the victory.
Ronaldo's first free-kick goal since rejoining the club last summer was a moment to savour. Scored in front of a jubilant Stretford End late on in the game, well, it provided memories of years gone by.
Mata has scored some stunning free-kicks for United in his time at Old Trafford, and he could only watch and applaud Ronaldo’s effort.
Ok @Cristiano, you shoot 😅💥🎯 https://t.co/iPRugRZ86L
— Juan Mata García (@juanmata8) April 16, 2022
Young Alejandro Garnacho, the 17-year-old winger who was involved with the matchday squad for the first time, also reacted in amazement. The Spanish-Argentine forward was gifted the match ball post-match by Cristiano and shared the photos on Instagram with the caption: “Greatest of all times... 🐐🔥 Cristiano⚽️⚽️⚽️❤️”
Over on Twitter, many Reds shared the same message: that this has to be the start of a run, and that the team must fight until the end.
Let’s keep pushing and believing until the end💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/5yUNARDBXC
— Bruno Fernandes (@B_Fernandes8) April 16, 2022
We made today difficult but managed to get over the line. Let's stick together to the end.🔴 pic.twitter.com/40o9vHZN8p
— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) April 16, 2022
This win was for you Reds❤️ Let’s keep fighting together 💪🏾
— Anthony Elanga (@AnthonyElanga) April 16, 2022
Thankyou God! #MUFC pic.twitter.com/zz6vv0CgGT
𝚅𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚒𝚖𝚙𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚗 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚘𝚏 𝚞𝚜 𝚝𝚘𝚍𝚊𝚢! pic.twitter.com/KLZyu7dDeL
— Paul Pogba (@paulpogba) April 16, 2022
Thank you Reds for the unconditional support no matter what. This win was for you ❤️
— Diogo Dalot (@DalotDiogo) April 16, 2022
Let’s keep fighting together 💪🏻🔥#MUFC pic.twitter.com/9evas6lZ3q
Happy afternoon at Old Trafford! Great job everyone! Happy Easter ♥️🙏🏽 @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/3hjIf9iV7I
— Alex Telles (@AT13Oficial) April 16, 2022
The same message was clear in Cristiano’s reaction to the win on Instagram. He said:
“Very happy with this win and for getting us back on track in the Premier League. Like I said before, individual achievements are only worth it when they help us reach our goals as a team, and the 60th hat-trick in my career is so much more important because it brought us the 3 points. Well done, lads, tremendous effort from everyone. We’re not giving up, we’re fighting until the end! 🔴⚫️💪🏽”