Ronaldo keeps MU on track

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo (L) unleashes a superb left-foot effort to score the first of his two goals in their Premiership match against Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday.Photo: AFP

Two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo helped Manchester United move back to within a point of Premier League leaders Arsenal after a 2-1 win over Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Everton had looked set to extend their unbeaten run to 14 matches but a rash challenge by Steven Pienaar on Ryan Giggs resulted in an 88th-minute penalty that Ronaldo converted to secure all three points.
The Portuguese winger, who has now scored 16 goals in all competitions this season, had given the champions the lead midway through the first-half with Australian midfielder Tim Cahill equalising five minutes later.
It was Ronaldo who broke the deadlock with a superb curling shot created out of nothing in the 22nd minute.
There seemed nowhere for the Portugese to go when he was confronted by two Everton defenders after collecting Anderson's pass but a neat sidestep created a space and the winger's left-foot shot found the top corner for his tenth league goal of the season.
Everton's outstanding recent run meant they were never likely to lose heart at falling behind to the champions.
And their response was as quick as it was impressive with Pienaar delivering a dipping cross from United's problem right hand flank towards Cahill, who out-jumped Patrice Evra to head the equaliser just five minutes later.
Everton fought well but when they looked set for the draw Pienaar sent United captain Ryan Giggs crashing to the ground inside the visitors area with just three minutes remaining and Ronaldo kept his nerve to clinch the points from the penalty spot.