Everton\u2019s manager and former Chelsea ace Frank Lampard had a gnawing feeling that something fearful could be brewing for his side\u2019s EPL clash with United when he saw Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo\u00a0missing 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is outstanding,\u2019 said Lampard. \u2018He 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\u2019t matter; they are both incredible players in football history.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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\u2019t to be.\u2019Erik ten Hag, labeling Ronaldo as \u201cphenomenal\u201d, was thrilled with United\u2019s display but was understandably concerned over Antony Martial\u2019s injury as the French striker, making his first Premier League start since October 2 last year, could face an anxious spell on the sidelines.<\/p>\n
Ten Hag said: \u201cI have to see, I cannot tell what it is, how serious, let\u2019s wait the first 24 hours how serious it is and then I can give an answer.\u201d<\/p>\n
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