Former Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra has sent a jovial message to Cristiano Ronaldo, with the Frenchman hitting back at his former teammate's critics after he scored a hat-trick to seal a 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening.
After missing the 4-1 derby defeat to Manchester City last weekend, Ronaldo marked his return to the side by netting a brilliant hat-trick, securing United a much-needed win in the process. He notched his first goal of the contest from distance, slamming the ball home past Hugo Lloris, before doubling his tally from close range shortly before half-time, after Harry Kane had brought Spurs level.
Although Spurs drew level for a second time, with Harry Maguire slicing the ball into his own net, Ronaldo found the courage to score once again, this time heading in an Alex Telles corner. That was enough for the home side to clinch the points and for Ronaldo to net just his second hat-trick for the club.
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It was an outstanding performance from the Portugal captain and one that he desperately needed after being heavily criticised for travelling to Portugal whilst United played City last weekend. Furthermore, it brought an end to his three-game goal drought in all competitions.
This season, several pundits and other familiar footballing figures have criticised Ronaldo's return to United, insisting he has been the root of their problems. But considering he has 18 goals to his name and single-handedly dragged them out of their Champions League group and into the last-16, the claims do not add up.
And that was the meaning of Evra's message to the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. He took to Instagram to congratulate the 37-year-old and the meaning of his message was clear.
The Frenchman wrote: "@Cristiano, bro, please keep being the problem," accompanied with a series of emojis, including laughing faces and flames. It is quite clear, therefore, that the former left-back does not buy into the theory that the former Juventus man has been the root of United's problems this term, with his hat-trick against Spurs securing a vital win when they needed someone to step up and be a hero.
Following the win over Spurs, United have now won all eight of the Premier League matches that Ronaldo has scored in this season. By comparison, when he has failed to score, they have won just four times in the league.
It is clear, therefore, that he remains a key player in United's quest to reach the top four. He has scored 12 times in the league this term and only Mohamed Salah has netted more (20), whilst Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane, both of Liverpool, are tied with him on 12.
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