Conte: It would not have been a good night for United without Ronaldo

Antonio Conte hinted Cristiano Ronaldo was the only thing separating Manchester United from a poor result after his hat-trick in a 3-2 win over Tottenham.

The Portugal star gave United the lead three times at Old Trafford on Saturday, his 81st-minute header ultimately deciding what could prove to be a key contest in the race for the Premier League top four.

The Spurs head coach lavished praise on Ronaldo and said his legendary status in football is unquestionable.

In customary Conte fashion, however, his compliments for the 37-year-old individually were laced with reproval for United collectively.

“We are talking about a player that not only this night showed to be a top, top player. Don’t forget Cristiano and [Lionel] Messi are the best two players in the world in this era. Before it was [Diego] Maradona and then Pele,” Conte told Sky Sports after the match.

“You know very well that when you play against this type of player, they are decisive. I think honestly that without Cristiano Ronaldo tonight for United it wasn’t a good night.

“It’s a difficult stadium, a difficult atmosphere and I guess a strong team like United, I think we didn’t deserve to lose the game. We have to understand where we can improve.”

Ronaldo got the Red Devils off the mark on 12 minutes, with a trademark screamer from outside the penalty area as the Tottenham defence backed off.

Conte’s side equalised through a Harry Kane penalty and, after Ronaldo struck again from Jadon Sancho’s cross, they levelled for a second time through Harry Maguire’s own goal.

Ronaldo was eventually on hand to provide the winner, though, heading in from an Alex Telles corner as Conte bemoaned Spurs’ inability to manage the game.

“I think we played a good game, but at the same time I think we needed to show more experience to manage some situations,” he said.

“The experience you don’t buy. You improve your experience after these types of games. We have many young players in the team and hopefully after this game they have the possibility to learn.

“We have to continue to work in many aspects and improve our level if we want to reach the level where we fight for a top place and for sure we have to improve.”