Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick praises 'crucial' hat-trick hero Cristiano Ronaldo after Norwich victory
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Updated 16/04/2022 at 19:27 GMT
Manchester United secured a 3-2 win over Norwich City thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick. The late winner came via a free kick with the sides level after United blew a 2-2 lead. Speaking after the game, United's interim manager praised both Ronaldo and Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea, who contributed at the other end.
‘We have to defend better’ - Rangnick critical of Man Utd despite win
Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick praised both David de Gea and Cristiano Ronaldo for their vital contributions against Norwich City.
The Spanish goalkeeper made a crucial save to keep his side in the game and having lost a 2-0 lead to be back level at 2-2 with the relegation-threatened side, fans could have been forgiven for expecting another demoralising defeat.
Instead, United moved into fifth and back into contention for a Champions League spot with a 3-2 win over Norwich.
They had Ronaldo to thank after he scored a hat-trick to seal all three points.
Interim manager Rangnick paid tribute to goalkeeper De Gea first, saying: "It was vital. The 2-0 lead should have made life easier but we didn't defend well. David de Gea kept us in the game.
"It was highly important we won the goal but the way we played was not good enough. It is a question of intensity and physicality.”
Moving onto Ronaldo, he acknowledged the veteran's importance amid rumours prospective new manager Erik ten Hag has no plans for him in the new season.
"Like against Tottenham, Ronaldo was very crucial,” he claimed. “They weren't easy goals, it was just outstanding. It doesn't make sense to be interested in the other results, we have to take care of our own results."
United travel to Liverpool on Tuesday in search of a win that could help them on their way to a top-four finish, while Jurgen Klopp’s men chase a second Premier League title under the German’s leadership.
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