Clinical Cristiano Ronaldo scores hat-trick as Manchester United edge Tottenham Hotspur 3-2

Cristiano Ronaldo answered all the questions about his continuing value to Manchester United with a superb hat-trick to secure a 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur in an entertaining Premier League contest on Saturday. Just six days after doubts were raised about his injury absence for the Manchester derby and at the end of a week marked by tabloid speculation over his relationship with interim manager Ralf Rangnick, the 37-year-old delivered a reminder of just why United chose to bring him back to Old Trafford.

The five-times Ballon d'Or winner headed the winner nine minutes from time before he was promptly taken off to ecstatic cheers. It was the 807th goal of his career, laying claim to professional football's all-time leading scorer record. With the whole stadium chanting 'Viva Ronaldo', the atmosphere at Old Trafford, which has endured a disappointing season, was back to the heady days of September when the forward scored twice against Newcastle United on his return to the club.

The result moves United two points above Arsenal and back into fourth place, although the Gunners have four games in hand starting with Sunday's home match against Leicester City. Pundits, like former United captain Roy Keane, had questioned whether Ronaldo truly was injured for the 4-1 loss at Premier League leaders City while his decision to fly back to Portugal for his rehab also raised questions.

When asked before the Tottenham game whether Ronaldo was happy with his situation, Rangnick said: "I don't know. I haven't asked him if he's happy at Manchester and at this club." But the way the team celebrated his goals and the look of determination, almost anger, on the 37-year-old's Ronaldo's face after each goal, sent a clear message.

“Ever