Everton’s manager and former Chelsea ace Frank Lampard had a gnawing feeling that something fearful could be brewing for his side’s EPL clash with United when he saw Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo missing chances last Thursday against Omonia Nicosia and was left to rue a striker with a need to get a massive load off his chest and an urgent point to prove.
Ronaldo had been awkwardly ambling on 699 career goals in club football since September 15 but his long-awaited 700 finally descended at Goodison Park as the 38-year-old netted United’s second in a 2-1 win that got his side the three points. Lampard had locked horns with the Portuguese striker innumerable times as a player and continues to be amazed how he is still delivering the goals.
“It is outstanding,’ said Lampard. ‘He is one of the greatest players that has graced the game, ever, in an era when we have had himself and Lionel Messi. The comparison between them doesn’t matter; they are both incredible players in football history.
“The numbers they have racked up, abnormal numbers that have become normal. When he was on 699, I wanted him to score in the Europa League (against Omonia Nicosia) the other night but it wasn’t to be.’Erik ten Hag, labeling Ronaldo as “phenomenal”, was thrilled with United’s display but was understandably concerned over Antony Martial’s injury as the French striker, making his first Premier League start since October 2 last year, could face an anxious spell on the sidelines.
Ten Hag said: “I have to see, I cannot tell what it is, how serious, let’s wait the first 24 hours how serious it is and then I can give an answer.”