Cristiano Ronaldo silenced a lot of critics with a brilliant hat-trick for Manchester United against Tottenham on Saturday evening.

Ronaldo made headlines last week after he reportedly flew to Portugal after being left out of line-up to face Manchester City.

How would he respond when starting against Spurs?

With a match-winning hat-trick, of course.

Ronaldo opened the scoring with an incredible strike from 30 yards. He added a second just minutes after Harry Kane had equalised.

Just when it looked as though Spurs had grabbed a late equaliser, Ronaldo popped up at a corner to complete his hat-trick and earn his side the victory.

After the match, he met up with NFL legend Tom Brady before tweeting: "Always a pleasure and a privilege to share some thoughts and ideas with another GOAT…"

Ronaldo clearly believes he's the greatest player in football history.

But why?

Well, that's a question Piers Morgan asked him on Sunday via text. In his column in The Sun, Morgan revealed Ronaldo's response when asked to sum up why he's the GOAT.

Piers Morgan's text message to Ronaldo after Spurs hat-trick

"Today, I texted him to ask him to sum up in one word why he’s the GOAT," Morgan revealed.

"I need three words," he replied. "More than special one, I’m 'The Only One.’"

"Then he sent two laughing emojis. I could almost hear him chuckling – and winking - out of my phone."

Quiz: The ultimate Cristiano Ronaldo quiz

While many football fans may doubt Ronaldo and think that he's past his best, his confidence is unwavering.

Elite mentality.

After the win and his hat-trick, Ronaldo took to Instagram to write:

"Tremendously happy with my first hat-trick since I came back to Old Trafford!"

"Nothing beats the feeling of being back on the pitch and helping the team with goals and effort.

"We've proven once again that we can beat any team in any given day, as long as we work hard and stand together as one. There are no limits for Man United! No matter what! Let's go, Devils!"

Ronaldo is the Premier League’s greatest ever player! (The Football Terrace)