Before the 60th hat-trick of Cristiano Ronaldo’s extraordinary career, it seemed as though any remaining intrigue around Manchester United’s season would come solely off the pitch. After a week of speculation around the imminent appointment of Erik ten Hag and on a day of protests against the Glazer ownership, there appeared to be very little to actually play for. Yet a hard-earned 3-2 win against Norwich and favourable results elsewhere mean that, suddenly, there is a chance this season can still add up to something.
The top-four picture is a little rosier than it was this time last week after the defeat at Goodison Park. United are now up to fifth, only three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur after playing the same number of games. Arsenal still have a game in hand on both but now trail United on goal difference and look at risk of spiralling out of control. Could Ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford be spent in the Champions League after all?
