Garth Crooks has named Manchester United hero Cristiano Ronaldo in his team of the week after his hat-trick against Tottenham Hotspur.
The 37-year-old's treble helped the Reds return to winning ways following their dismal display in the Manchester derby. Ronaldo, who missed that game, returned from a hip-flexor injury to fire United in front.
He had to do it no fewer than three times, as Spurs fought back through a first-half Harry Kane penalty before Harry Maguire's own-goal brought the score level. With the game on a knife-edge, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner sent Old Trafford into raptures rising highest to nod past Hugo Lloris, completing the 49th hat-trick of his glittering career.
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Crooks' was waxing-lyrical over the United attacker, he said : "Just when you think Spurs are making progress something comes along to convince you it was all smoke and mirrors. The person this time to shatter all Tottenham's illusions that they might be a top-four side was Cristiano Ronaldo.
"The Portuguese superstar was in blistering form against Spurs at Old Trafford. Ronaldo was left out of the starting line-up against Manchester City with a suspected hip injury.
"It was just as well because he was looking jaded and seems to have benefited from the rest. Here is someone who still wants to play every week but as an outfield player and especially as a striker aged 37, someone should tell him that even he should give way to youth occasionally."
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