BT Sport pundit Chris Sutton was left red-faced after referencing Cristiano Ronaldo's poor recent record from free-kicks – right before the Manchester United forward buried one against Norwich.
United returned to winning ways on Saturday with a hard-fought 3-2 win over the Premier League's bottom club at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo scored twice in the first half as United looked to be cruising to victory, before Norwich fought their way back into the game and levelled the score with goals either side of the half-time break.
Ronaldo would have the final say, however, scoring a free-kick in the 76th minute to complete his hat-trick and secure a vital three points for the home side.
In the moments before the free-kick was taken, former Blackburn Rovers and Celtic striker Sutton pointed out Ronaldo's lack of goals from free-kicks in recent years.
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“I can’t remember the last free-kick he scored, so he’ll probably go and score this one,” Sutton said on BT Sport.
Ronaldo promptly scored the free-kick, courtesy of some questionable goalkeeping from Norwich’s Tim Krul.
To his credit, Sutton was able to see the funny side of things.
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The moment was reminiscent of a similar blunder from former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood while commentating on a match between Spurs and Liverpool in 2020.
With the game level at 1-1 heading into the final minutes, Liverpool won a corner.
“Another corner,” Sherwood said. “I’m not too worried about these corners.
“It might come back to bite me here, but Tottenham have got the dominancy in the air here, so I’m not sure anyone can get their head on the first ball for Liverpool…”
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Moments later Roberto Firmino headed in the winner for Liverpool.
“…apart from that one,” Sherwood added.
Ronaldo has now scored 21 goals in all competitions this season.
He will be hoping to add to that tally when United travel to face bitter rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday.
Topics: Manchester United, Football, Premier League, BT Sport, Cristiano Ronaldo
Rory O'Callaghan