Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 50th club career hat-trick, helping Manchester United to a 3-2 victory over Norwich City on April 16 at Old Trafford.
This was Ronaldo's 50th club hat-trick and perhaps one of the most important in a Manchester United shirt as the club looks to seal a UEFA Champions League spot for next season.
Manchester United seemed to be cruising just before half-time after Cristiano Ronaldo's first-half brace put them two goals ahead against Norwich City, who struggled to keep pace with the Red Devils for most of the half. However, a goal from Kieran Dowell just before half-time offered some respite to a battered Dean Smith's side.
After a goal late in the first half, Norwich began the second half on the front foot as Teemu Pukki stunned Old Trafford by scoring just a few minutes after half-time. However, Manchester United were not to be denied a 15th win in the campaign as Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner in the 76th minute.
He put United two up early on, but Norwich hit back through Kieran Dowell and Teemu Pukki, only for former Real Madrid and Juventus star Ronaldo to lash a free-kick winner through the grasp of Tim Krul in the 76th minute.
David de Gea sprinted from his line to expertly block Pukki's attempted dink over the goalkeeper in the third minute, and Norwich would soon regret failing to take that golden chance.
Kieran Dowell headed in a cross from Pukki to reduce the deficit just before the break. Pukki once again caused Manchester United problems, scoring once and assisting another.
Seven minutes after the break, Dowelled turned provider and set up Pukki to draw Norwich level. For all their efforts, Norwich City left Old Trafford as they came, with nothing, as that Ronaldo once again bailed United out when he restored their lead with an excellent effort to complete his hat-trick 14 minutes from time.
A narrow escape for Ralf Rangnick and his men, who rekindle their European dreams with the win, a first for the home side in four matches in all competitions.
Cristiano Ronaldo will receive a bonus of £ 850,000 following his hat-trick in Manchester United’s 3-2 win against Norwich. Overall, including at international level for Portugal, Ronaldo has scored 60 hat-tricks to date.
