Antonio Conte admires Cristiano Ronaldo despite vetoing Manchester United’s role before Tottenham takeover and knows the record scorer can sink Spurs again

Antonio Conte brings his Tottenham side to Old Trafford on Wednesday, knowing that Cristiano Ronaldo’s misfires still pose the biggest threat to him.

Ronaldo sacked Manchester United for a league brace against Spurs last season, including a stunning hat-trick in the match at Old Trafford in March.

Ronaldo became the second oldest player to score a Premier League hat-trick behind former Tottenham and United striker Teddy Sheringham.

And Conte did not forget Ronaldo’s performance in that match, saying: “We lost with him, not with United last season.”

It was arguably Ronaldo’s best overall performance since his dramatic return to the club in 2021 and indicative of how he previously coached Real Madrid in the Champions League final when everything looked grim.

But those comeback moments have become rare, particularly this season, with boss Erik ten Hag banishing the Portuguese star to the bench after his non-departure from the club in the summer.

Incredibly, Ronaldo has scored more goals in this match against Tottenham alone than he has scored in his 12 appearances this season.

The 37-year-old has scored two goals in all competitions, against the sheriff in the Europa League and Everton in the Premier League.

While his stats aren’t impressive read, Conte will arrange a way to prevent Ronaldo from putting his share to the sword as he has done so many times in his career.

At a time when many are feeling pressured to undo his impact, Conte knows the five-time Ballon d’Or winner still has the weapons to destroy Spurs’ title ambitions.

“Last season he scored a hat-trick against us. We are talking about an incredible player, a top player. We are talking about a player who continues to make a difference for the team he plays for, “Conte said before the trip to Old Trafford.

“I have a lot of admiration for Cristiano, for his professionalism, but I hope he remains calm, not like last season when he scored three goals. We lost 3-2, but we lost against him, not against United last season. I remember it very well, because we played an excellent match.

Ronaldo’s influence in this match is profound, having scored eight Premier League goals against Spurs, including six in his last three games, meaning Conte’s side are his most prolific opponent.

His goal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last October set the United side, led by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, on the road to a comfortable 3-0 win.

Ronaldo’s exploits that night threw the Spurs into further darkness and, as a result, Nuno Espirito Santo was removed from the position of manager.

But at the time he was not rosy at Old Trafford, United had been beaten 5-0 by Liverpool at Old Trafford the previous week and vultures swirled around the Norwegian manager.

According to the Manchester Evening News, United were planning a coup for Conte but decided not to do so after Ronaldo opposed the move.

United bosses have reportedly consulted with the club’s top players about appointing a new manager, with Ronaldo blocking any move for the Italian.

The Red Devils ‘defeat was Tottenham’s lead as Ronaldo’s lead in the 3-0 win, leading Spurs to appoint Conte giving Solskjaer more time to overturn the Reds Devils’ disappointing fortunes.

As a result, Conte moved Spurs from ninth place in the top four and are a year ahead of United in their quest to close the gap on title contenders and have Champions League football to themselves.

Ronaldo made a difference on the bench last season and few would have bet against him, proving once again the scourge of Tottenham on Wednesday night.