Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner against Everton to help the team to an important three points.
The goal was Ronaldo’s 700th goal across his club career, a remarkable feat for the 37-year-old, in addition to his 117 international goals.
His achievement was lauded by former United teammate Rio Ferdinand, who praised Ronaldo and noted that he has now made it very tough for Erik ten Hag to drop him.
Rio says Ronaldo has silenced the doubters
Speaking on BT Sport, Rio Ferdinand said: “To come in like he did, to score his 700th goals, the decisive one, the matchwinner, if anyone was doubting that, he’s put them in their place.
He added that Ronaldo will be thinking he has proved a point to his manager, noting, “I’ve given you something to think about now. Don’t you dare leave me out again.”
Earlier at half-time, Ferdinand had labelled Ronaldo ‘phenomenal’, adding: “He would have been sitting there thinking: ‘I should be playing’. That is the answer.
“He is still going out there with something to prove and he is delivering.”
Ronaldo’s goal had followed an earlier equaliser from Antony after Alex Iwobi had given Everton the lead.
He had come on early after Anthony Martial had suffered an injury, forcing him off.
The assist was made by his former Real Madrid teammate Casemiro, who won the ball back and picked Ronaldo out on the counter attack.
The Portuguese star’s instincts kicked in, finishing coolly past Jordan Pickford to give United the lead.
United are up to fifth place in the table after the victory, with a game in hand on three of the teams above us.
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