Cristiano Ronaldo was labelled a ‘genius’ by Roy Keane after his spectacular hat-trick inspired Manchester United to a vital 3-2 victory over top-four rivals Tottenham.
A week on from United’s humbling 4-1 Manchester derby defeat, Ronaldo delivered an emphatic response to rumours surrounding his absence at the Etihad by scoring his second Manchester United hat-trick to drag Ralf Rangnick’s side up to fourth in the Premier League.
Ronaldo’s first-half thunderbolt and close-range finish, either side of Harry Kane’s penalty, gave United the lead at the break. After Harry Maguire’s own goal saw Spurs equalise for the second time, Ronaldo had the final word as he completed a stunning hat-trick with a late towering header.
“Ronaldo looked angry today, he played with a lot of aggression,” Keane told Sky Sports. “He’s obviously upset with whatever happened last week, but he showed today what we have seen over the years.
“The guy’s a genius; his three goals were fantastic. He brings so much to the team, why people think he cannot bring goals or value…”
