Speaking ahead of Wednesday evening’s game at Old Trafford, Antonio Conte has insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo defeated Tottenham in their last meeting – not Manchester United.
“Last season he scored a hat-trick against us,” Conte told reporters. “We’re talking about an incredible player, a top player. We’re talking about a player who continues to make a difference for the team in which he plays.
“I have a lot of admiration for Cristiano, for his professionalism, but I hope he will remain calm, not like last season, when he scored three goals. We lost 3-2, but we lost to him, not to United last season. I remember that very well, because we played a very good game.”
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Spurs suffered a 3-2 defeat to United at Old Trafford thanks to a brilliant hat-trick from Ronaldo. Conte’s side, though, has had a better start to the season with just one defeat. United, meanwhile, have lost thrice.
On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo has seen a slow start to the season, scoring only one Premier League goal so far after Erik ten Hag reduced the 37-year-old to the bench. However, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will be hoping to get a nod from start against Spur following the uncertainties of forwards Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.