Cristiano Ronaldo is just one goal away from joining the Premier League's esteemed '100 goal club' as Manchester United's number seven gears up for a pivotal trip to Arsenal.
The 37-year-old scored the bulk of his 99 English top-flight goals during his first stint at Old Trafford between 2003 and 2009, but has continued to find the back of the net regularly since returning to Old Trafford last summer. After joining on the final day of the window, Ronaldo has managed to net 15 times in the league alone this term.
There is every chance he could reach the milestone of hitting treble digits against the Gunners on Saturday lunchtime, especially considering Ronaldo already boasts a decent record in front of goal versus the North Londoners. He has bagged four goals them in the Premier League, including two in the corresponding fixture earlier this term.
Ronaldo will be keen to register another individual achievement, but will also recognise the importance of his goal threat for United's fading hopes of a top-four finish. The Portugal skipper, much like everyone else associated with the club, will know only a win will do at the Emirates.
United sit sixth in the table, three points behind the Gunners having played a game more. It is the same points gap between the Red Devils and Antonio Conte's Spurs, who currently occupy the much-coveted fourth spot.
Ronaldo returned to training on Wednesday for the first time since announcing the tragic passing of his new-born son after his partner Georgina Rodriguez gave birth to twins. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner released a touching statement updating fans of the heart-breaking news.
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For obvious reasons, United's number seven missed the trip to Anfield on Tuesday night while his teammates were put to the sword against a rampant Liverpool side. Jurgen Klopp's men ran out 4-0 winners as United struggled to lay a glove on their hosts.
There was a moving movement in the seventh minute of the tie, when the entirety of Anfield put rivalries to one side and applauded in honour of Ronaldo and his family at a difficult time. The gesture did not go unnoticed by the former Real Madrid man.
Taking to Instagram, Ronaldo uploaded a video of the Liverpool fans paying their respect accompanied with a caption that read: "One world… One sport… One global family… Thanks, Anfield. Me and my family will never forget this moment of respect and compassion." He is expected to be named in Ralf Rangnick's starting eleven at the Emirates.
