Hatrick Hero - Reaction

Cristiano may well have just played the best game of his career - with his record haul of three goals helping him to the Man of the Match awards and all the plaudits, as well as the Match-ball!

It was vintage Ronaldo - a clever free-kick, supreb touch and volley for the second, and a composed and tricksy finish for the third. To be fair United probably would have won the game without him (Newcastle were THAT poor!) but it still goes down as a memorable Ronaldo match, and puts him on a staggering 22 goals for the season so far! Heres the reaction from Rio, Sir Alex, and Ronny himself:

RIO FERDINAND
"It's about time he got a hat-trick. But he's been playing like that for two years and long may it continue. Scoring 22 goals by January isn't bad, but he can improve."

SIR ALEX FERGUSON
"Cristiano was a very happy bunny in the dressing room!"

"It is a good moment for the boy. He has scored two on many occasions. It has been coming and now he has broken it. We are all delighted for him.

"Who is to say he can't get many more hat-tricks for us "The way he is going, who is to say where he will finish up. He is improving all the time.

"A haul of 22 goals already is marvellous. We said in the summer `could he do it again?' I couldn't see why not.

"He is an improving player. He is showing more maturity. His decision-making is getting better all the time. His knowledge is getting better."

CRISTIANO RONALDO
"I am very proud and happy because I scored three important goals. But we need to focus on the fact we are top of the league. That's the most important thing.

"The team is very confident and we feel great. We are playing well. It is great for the spirit. It is fantastic. We are very confident and playing some fantastic football.

"In the second half, we were brilliant. We need to keep going like that."

Ronaldo had his match ball signed by all United's dressing room and it will now have pride of place in his home.

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