"A strange game" - Gary Neville suggests Manchester United were bailed out by 'sensational' Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United legend Garry Neville has claimed the Red Devils were not good enough against Tottenham Hotspur. He feels they were saved by Cristiano Ronaldo’s brilliance.

Ralf Rangnick’s side nicked a 3-2 win over Spurs in the Premier League on Saturday, courtesy of their Portuguese no. 7’s sensational hat-trick. The 37-year-old struck first in the 12th minute, scoring an unstoppable screamer from 25 yards out. Spurs restored parity in the 35th minute through a Harry Kane penalty only for Manchester United’s talisman to strike again three minutes later.

The north Londoners once again came back into the match, courtesy of a Harry Maguire own goal in the 72nd minute. Nine minutes later, Ronaldo completed his treble, producing a thumping header from an Alex Telles corner-kick delivery. With 807 goals, he is officially the leading scorer in the history of men’s football.

Neville thought Man United’s performance was not good enough and fans would question their team’s gameplay had the Portuguese superstar not scored a hat-trick. Speaking on Sky Sports (via Daily Mail), the former England international said:

“It was a strange game at times in the second half. But obviously, Cristiano Ronaldo was absolutely sensational. What a response from last weekend's poor display but also the situation with him where it looked like he was left out injured.”

Neville added:

“They were not very good, I have to say that. The moments in the game were magical and the fans are absolutely buzzing because they have seen Cristiano Ronaldo and they feel like they've seen something special.”

Neville thought that except for “the big player’s” performance, Manchester United didn’t produce anything special.

“But in terms of performance, if it is Spurs scoring that late goal, United fans will be going home saying: 'How bad were we today? But big moments happen and the big player turned up and ultimately that is send them home happy, but it wasn't a great performance."

The win on Saturday has taken the Red Devils back into the Premier League top-four. Fifth-placed Arsenal, who are two points behind, however, have played four games fewer than the Old Trafford outfit.

Treble against Spurs marks Ronaldo’s second hat-trick in Manchester United’s colors

The match-winning hat-trick on Saturday marked the Portuguese international’s second hat-trick for Man United. His previous hat-trick, which was his only treble in his first spell at Old Trafford, came against Newcastle United in January 2008.

Ronaldo opened the scoring with a brilliant free-kick, doubled his tally from a rapid Manchester United counter-attack, and scored his third through a deflected shot. His triplet fired United to an emphatic 6-0 over the struggling Magpies.