Cristiano Ronaldo was in fine form once again as Manchester United defeated Brentford in their Premier League clash on Monday evening.

United have been poor this season but Ronaldo has been one of their best performers.

The Portuguese had scored 23 goals in the 2021/22 season going into the game.

And he made it 24 as United ran out 3-0 victors.

Bruno Fernandes gave United the lead in the first-half as he drilled home from Anthony Elagna's cross.

Ronaldo made it 2-0 in the second half courtesy of the penalty spot.

United were given a spot-kick when Nico Henry bundled Ronaldo over inside the box.

Ronaldo made no mistake to double his side's lead.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated well before his penalty in Manchester United 3-0 Brentford
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Nemanja Matic with Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brentford at Old Trafford on May 02, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Nemanja Matic with Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brentford at Old Trafford on May 02, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

The 37-year-old is so lethal in front of goal and so good from 12 yards that Nemanja Matic was celebrating well before he even struck the ball.

Fan footage has emerged showing Matic's actions before the penalty.

The Serbian can be seen standing some 30 yards away from goal.

As the referee blows the whistle to allow Ronaldo to take the penalty, Matic turns around and walks back to the halfway line with his arms aloft.

Seconds later, Ronaldo makes his way to the ball and slams it into the back of the net.

Watch Matic prematurely celebrating Ronaldo's penalty below...

Imagine having that amount of confidence in your teammate.

As soon as the whistle blew, Matic knew there was only one outcome.

Ronaldo's future at United has been up in the air and, with United set to miss out on the Champions League, there have been suggestions he could be on the move this summer.

But Ralf Rangnick has said that Ronaldo will be staying at the club for another season.

Man United SMASH 3 past Brentford! Manchester United 3-0 Brentford match reaction | The Football Terrace

When asked by Stadium Astro if Ronaldo was waving the fans goodbye after the game, Rangnick replied, per the Daily Mail: "I don't think why it should be a wave of goodbye. He's got another year of contract and as far as I know he will be here next season again."

Given how he's performed this season, United should be doing all they can to keep Ronaldo at the club for another campaign.

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