Thomas Hein
Only a team that can handle the pressure and keep their composure when the chips are down is deserving of a top-four finish in the Premier League this season. Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Tottenham showed that fighting spirit and it should stand them in good stead for the remainder of the campaign.
Red Devils Stand Up To Pressure
In a game where United needed the three points to bolster their hopes of a top-four finish, Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick guided United to a thrilling victory over Spurs in mid-March. Football tips will have the Red Devils firmly in the mix in the battle for those coveted Champions League places, and that win over the Lillywhites at Old Trafford was a big statement of intent.
It was a game that saw the hosts have their setbacks. Giving away a penalty for Harry Kane to convert, before an own goal from skipper Harry Maguire in the 72nd minute. Perhaps in the past, it was a game that would have seen United fall short in their hopes of claiming all three points.
However, Ralf Rangnick’s side persevered and it was the star of the show Ronaldo who bagged the winner in the 81st minute to send the home faithful into raptures.
It was a combination of joy and relief at the full-time whistle, as United secured those valuable three points against a Spurs side who also harbour hopes of a top-four finish in the Premier League this season. It was also a way for the players to answer some of their harsher critics as they managed to get the job done on the big stage. With so many clubs still battling for what looks set to be a race for fourth, every point matters, and the players showed a fighting spirit that some had been questioning.
Ronaldo Key To Top-Four Chances
After landing his 12th league goal of the season against Spurs, Ronaldo once again proved how vital he is for United. The 37-year-old started his second spell at Old Trafford in scintillating form and will be hoping the Spurs display can see him rediscover some consistency in front of the goal. It has been a tough campaign overall for the United striker department. After that win against Tottenham, the rest of the United forward lineup had still only managed 16 league goals between them.
Ronaldo said he returned to United to win silverware and, while it doesn’t look like he will be lifting a trophy this season, helping secure a return to the Champions League would be a big achievement. In a campaign that has had its fair share of upheaval following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the players would do well to come from behind to land a top-four spot.
Much of the responsibility looks like it will rest on the shoulders of Ronaldo to get United over the line. It’s a position he’s thrived in, in the past, and, with United’s fighting spirit, there will be high hopes the players can get the job done this season.
