Ronaldo Nets Hat-Trick as United Crush LiverpoolRonaldo Nets Hat-Trick as United Crush Liverpool In a thrilling encounter at Old Trafford, Manchester United delivered a resounding 5-0 victory over arch-rivals Liverpool, with talismanic forward Cristiano Ronaldo stealing the show with a mesmerizing hat-trick. The match began with a breathless pace, both teams attacking with intent. However, it was United who took the lead in the 12th minute when Nemanja Matic’s powerful drive deflected off Joel Matip and into the net. United continued to dominate, and their dominance paid off in the 28th minute. Paul Pogba played a superb through ball to Ronaldo, who raced clear of the Liverpool defense and calmly slotted the ball past Alisson Becker. Ronaldo was in irrepressible form, and he completed his hat-trick just before halftime. Jadon Sancho found him unmarked in the box, and the Portuguese maestro unleashed a venomous left-footed shot that flew into the top corner. After the break, Liverpool looked to mount a comeback, but United’s defense remained resolute. In the 60th minute, Marcus Rashford sealed the victory with a stunning individual effort, dribbling past several Liverpool players before firing the ball into the net. Substitute Anthony Martial added the fifth goal in stoppage time, rounding off a perfect night for United. Ronaldo’s hat-trick was his first for United since his return to the club last summer. It was also his 805th career goal, moving him ahead of Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading goalscorer in international football. United’s victory was a statement of intent. They have now won their last three matches under interim manager Ralf Rangnick and are firmly in the race for a top-four finish. Liverpool, on the other hand, are facing a reality check. The defending Premier League champions have now lost four of their last five games and are in danger of slipping out of the Champions League places.
