Andros Townsend Pays Incredible Tribute To 'Idol' Cristiano Ronaldo In Wholesome Post-Match Interview

Everton goalscorer Andros Townsend says he performed Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic SIUUUU celebration as a sign of respect to his idol growing up.

The 30-year-old winger, who joined The Toffees in July after his contract at Crystal Palace expired, netted the equaliser in Saturday afternoon's Premier League clash at Old Trafford.

Moments later, a delighted Townsend ran towards the corner flag, lept in the air and performed the pirouette-type movement made famous by Manchester United's number 7. You can see that celebration below.

Townsend later spoke about his decision to perform Ronaldo's celebration in a brilliant post-match interview.

"You know what, there's no disguising he's my idol. I grew up watching Cristiano Ronaldo, spent hours on the training pitch trying to execute his techniques," Townsend told BT Sport.

"Maybe I should've tried harder with the celebration because it wasn't great execution.

"It was a bit of respect to Cristiano. It's an honour to be on the same field as him."

It was another frustrating afternoon for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his Manchester United side.

After going 1-0 up thanks to a great finish from Anthony Martial, United struggled to take control of the game and Everton took full advantage in the second half when Townsend finished off a wonderfully crafted breakaway.

Despite the performance, Solskjaer was upbeat with some aspects of their display.

"Well part of it was really good, I thought we started with high energy, created some good openings and scored a fantastic goal coming into half-time 1-0 you're pleased," he said after the final whistle.

"Second half we lacked that cutting edge to get the second which is vital, from a corner that we had we concede five seconds later or whatever, so that was the disappointing bit.

"We weren't too open, we had enough players behind the ball but we didn't deal with the tackles when we should have.

"It was a good goal by them but when they counter from one side the goal is going to happen from the other side. We just didn't regroup and reorganise well enough."

Thoughts on United's performance against Everton? Is Ole the right man for the job?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Football, Manchester United, Premier League, Everton, Cristiano Ronaldo

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_