Manchester United fans have Cristiano Ronaldo theory after Tom Brady announcement

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Manchester United supporters are convinced watching Cristiano Ronaldo has inspired NFL icon Tom Brady into a dramatic U-turn over his retirement.

As the battle for the top four continues, Ronaldo took centre stage against Tottenham on Saturday with a sublime hat-trick. Brady witnessed that sensational performance first hand as he attended Old Trafford with his son.

The seven-time Super Bowl winner met up with the United superstar on the pitch post-match, and it was during that conversation Ronaldo swayed Brady into a comeback — at least that's the theory on social media.

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Back for a second spell at United, Ronaldo has now scored 18 goals in 31 appearances this term. The hat-trick against Tottenham was only his second for United, coming 14 years after his first, and the five-time Ballon d'Or winner shows no signs of stopping at 37.

Brady, meanwhile, called time on his glittering NFL career earlier in the year. Citing 'unfinished business', the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback and ex-New England Patriots legend has reversed that decision on his Twitter account 24 hours after rubbing shoulders with Ronaldo.

Needless to say, it prompted a storm on the popular social media platform - and 'subtle' digs at Lionel Messi.

Addressing his 2.5million followers on Twitter, the 44-year-old said: "These past two months I've realised my place is still on the field and not in the stands. That time will come. But it's not now.

"I love my teammates and I love my supportive family — they make it all possible. I'm coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business."

Here are a selection of comments posted by United supporters:

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