MY ACCOUNT
Paul Pogba believes Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to form was just what Manchester United needed after the Portuguese star hit a hat-trick in the Red Devils’ 3-2 win over Tottenham on Saturday.
Having been left out of the squad for their 4-1 drubbing at Manchester City last week, Ronaldo returned with vigour and got United off the mark on 12 minutes with a trademark strike from distance.
The 37-year-old provided timely goals for Ralf Rangnick’s side, which was in need of a response as much as points. The Old Trafford crowd fed off it, which was something Pogba acknowledged afterwards.
“Ronaldo was brilliant. I think that’s all we needed – a reaction,” the France international told Sky Sports. “We scored beautiful goals. Even when we conceded a goal, we came back and scored again. The mentality was there again today.
“Everybody knows Cristiano – there’s no need to talk about him. That’s what he does. He didn’t play in the last game, but he comes back and scores three goals. Everybody’s happy.
“It was good today. You can hear the fans. They were pushing us and feeling it. I think today was a very good performance as a team and a very good reaction from the City game.”
Despite Ronaldo’s hat-trick, it was nevertheless a volatile 90 minutes from United, with Tottenham managing to draw level twice via Harry Kane from the penalty spot and a Harry Maguire own goal.
According to Pogba though, United’s mentality was definitive, especially in context of the Premier League’s top four race.
“We kept believing. In the second half, we didn’t get the nice passing, and the movement I think wasn’t there,” he said.
“We gave them a bit of confidence, that’s why they scored. But we got a corner and scored the winning goal.
“It’s a boost. We needed it to go again. We want the top four and they were opponents who are looking for the top four also. It was a good win and a good performance.”
The win puts United in fourth spot on 50 points, two points clear of Arsenal, who have four games in hand on them.
