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Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo marked his return to the side with an incredible first-half brace against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday. The Portuguese forward, who missed the 4-1 derby defeat to Manchester City due to injury, was recalled by Ralf Rangnick for the crucial game at Old Trafford.
Cristiano Ronaldo repaid the faith shown in him by the manager with an outrageous goal as early as the 12th minute. The 37-year-old received the ball from Fred and unleashed his shot from distance with immaculate precision and power.
Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris had no chance of saving it as the ball nestled into the far top corner. As soon as the ball crashed into the back of the net, Manchester United supporters broke into a delirium of noise. Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated his strike with the iconic 'Siuuu' celebration in front of the Old Trafford faithful.
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As expected, several fans were quick to heap praise on the Manchester United star after his excellent goal. One fan tweeted:
"That is why Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest player of all time and that is also why you never doubt him and downplay him."
Here are some of the reactions to the goal:
Spurs restore parity but Cristiano Ronaldo breaks world record by doubling Manchester United lead
Although the Red Devils secured an early lead, Tottenham clawed their way back into the game. Alex Telles was punished for handling the ball inside the penalty area and Harry Kane stepped up to stab home the equalizer from the spot for the visitors in the 35th minute.
Earlier, Antonio Conte's men were disallowed a goal due to offside. As such, Spurs were elated when they restored parity. However, Ronaldo returned to haunt them once again by netting his 806th career goal - an official FIFA record for most goals by a player.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner netted his second goal of the game after getting on the end of a low cross from Jadon Sancho in the 38th minute. He single-handedly tipped the scale in Manchester United's favor with his first-half display at Old Trafford.
Spurs later equalized after an own goal from Harry Maguire in the second half, but Ronaldo delivered the killer blow in the 81st minute to complete his hat-trick.
