Ralf hails pair's best performances since he arrived

Ronaldo showed his quality with his first Premier League treble since 2008, heading home the winner from an Alex Telles corner to cap off a stunning performance.

However, Fred was also impressive with an all-action display in midfield, in the absence of regular partner Scott McTominay, and he was also namechecked by the boss in his post-match press conference.

"We were just joking a little bit [that] it maybe makes sense to send him to Portugal for three days, having not trained for two days, and have him back in training on Thursday," Rangnick told reporters.

"He performed at a similar kind of level in training on Thursday, that's why I decided after that training session, although he had been out for a week, to play him from the start. Maybe we have to do that for the rest of the season!

"He made a difference, for sure, with his three goals but not only because of the three goals, it was the best performance from him since I arrived, on and off the ball."

"He made the difference today for sure," Ralf added in his club media interview. "But not only the three goals he scored, also his work rate against the ball when Tottenham was in possession was, so far, the best performance.

"Let's just hope that he stays fully fit for the rest of the season and we see further games like this one from the whole team and also from Cristiano."

Ralf also felt Fred was in peak form and deserves credit after a sterling display, in the absence of Scott McTominay.

“He is probably, together with Scott McTominay, the best ball-winner," said the boss. "The best player when the other team is in possession but he also showed today in quite a few counter-attacks and transitional moments, that he is also able to play, the number of balls he gave and an assist. It was also one of his best games since I was here.”