Conte talking to the press said he wants to avoid last season’s result when Ronaldo netted a hat-trick in Spur’s 3-2 defeat to United at Old Trafford
By Kehinde Okeowo
Tottenham Hotspur boss, Antonio Conte, has said he hopes Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo goal drought continues when both sides meet on Wednesday evening at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese star has endured a tough campaign this season and has only found the net twice in 12 appearances for the Red Devils this season.
Ronaldo has also slipped down manager Erik ten Hag’s pecking order, due to the forms of French striker, Anthony Martial and English forward, Marcus Rashford.
Last season, Ronaldo netted a hat-trick as United defeated Spurs 3-2 at Old Trafford and will be hoping to repeat the same.
ALSO READ: Messi tips Brazil, France, to win World Cup, snubs Argentina
However, Antonio Conte, whose side trashed United 6-1 under Jose Mourinho, will be wishing for a similar outcome.
Speaking to the press during the pre-match conference, the Italian who professed his admiration for Ronaldo, said he is wishing he doesn’t find his goal-scoring form when they meet.
“Last season he scored a hat-trick against us,” Conte told reporters.
He added, “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.”
Spurs are currently 3rd on the Premier League table having picked up 23 points from 10 matches, United, on the other hand, are 5th with 16 points from 9 games.
