Cristiano Ronaldo to the rescue again for Manchester United at the weekend. The Portuguese icon scored his 60th hat-trick on Saturday which marked his 30th hat trick after turning 30. The 37-year-old has scored 30 hat-tricks before turning 30 and 30 hat-tricks after turning 30 which is a perfect balance for one of the all time greats in sports history.
It was a shame however, how United played at the weekend though. It was an unnerved crowd at Old Trafford because of the team’s struggle against bottom of the table club, Norwich City. Many fans poured on boos to Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and the team captain, Harry Maguire. One could debate how worthy some of the boos are but the performance was certainly not pretty. It was the first time that many had heard chants of “You’re not fit to wear the shirt” but in retrospect they could have been right about many of the starting XI. The chants were primarily aimed at the three named above and nobody could chant those words at Ronaldo or goalkeeper David De Gea who saved United again.
The Reds ended up winning 3-2 due to Ronaldo’s hat-trick and they still are very much in the hunt (somehow) for top four. With Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs run of form dipping, the clubs are leaving the door open for United to squeeze back into European placement before the season’s end.
Paul Pogba’s future is seeming more grim in a United shirt. Not only did supporters direct boos at him which he responded with an ear cusp with the hand, he also caught a dangerous boot from no one other than Maguire. Luckily for the Reds Pogba is okay, but his form hasn’t been sharp as of late.
Bruno Fernandes hasn’t been in a good run of form either since signing his new contract and supporters at the weekend were moaning and groaning at some of his passes and decision making. But, the “Portuguese Magnifico” is here to stay and it is the truth that the side is better with him than without.
Anthony Elanga received praise from interim coach Ralf Rangnick for contributing to Ronaldo’s hat-trick as well his ability at right-back during the game’s conclusion. Elanga had dipped in form recently but with the season drawing to an end, he is still favored over Lingard and Rashford. The Swedish youngster can continue to end the season on a hot note with Liverpool coming up.
The Red Devils face off against bitter rival Liverpool on Tuesday which is a must win for the Red Devils. A draw perhaps would be accepted since the side lost 5-0 back in the fall. A loss many fans have absolutely tried to have scrubbed from their memory. Liverpool are still chasing the title and the Treble.
Erik Ten Hag To Be Appointed Manager
After several weeks of speculation, interviews and debate, Manchester United are set to announce the official signing of Erik Ten Hag to become manager next season for the Red Devils.
Fans of the club should be motivated by the board’s decision and in an early beat post, I broke down the top two candidates that were in the running.
My prediction was correct in appointing Ten Hag but fans still have to wait until the summer transfer window to see any real progress or change in structure.
It was reported that Ten Hag has demanded full control in outgoings and incomings player personnel wise and wants to work hand in hand with the board to get United back to the glory days. Some reports from British media even suggested it was more of Ten Hag interviewing United rather than the club interviewing him.
Ajax, Ten Hag’s current club is still trying to win the dutch league, but did miss out on a chance at winning a trophy at the weekend when they lost 2-1 in the Dutch Cup Final to PSV Eindhoven.
This shouldn’t concern United fans but some have pointed out his lack of success this season in competitions outside of league play. Ajax are no longer in the Champions League, but perhaps some of this anxiety can be relieved if the 52-year old manager can win the Eredivise title.
Big final weeks for the club and the future is still up in the air. But, a big win at the weekend followed by a new manager appointment as well as a rivalry game during midweek. A lot to look out for for the Red Devils.
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