Ronaldo fires United into fifth round

Cristiano Ronaldo's incredible goalscoring run continued as Manchester United beat Tottenham 3-1 in the FA Cup fourth round at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo scored twice, taking his recent tally to 25 goals in 23 games, as United fought back from a goal down and Spurs ended the match with ten men as defender Michael Dawson was sent off for deliberate handball.

Captain Robbie Keane put the visitors ahead in the first half, converting from close range as Aaron Lennon crossed from the right wing but Carlos Tevez equalised before half-time with a low shot past Radek Cerny after Ryan Giggs held the ball up in the penalty area.

United pushed forward in the second half and they went on front when Dawson denied Wayne Rooney a clear goalscoring chance.

The England striker seemed certain to score as he drew his right foot back in the penalty area, but Dawson brushed the ball away with his left hand and Ronaldo sent Cerny the wrong way with a stuttering run-up as he took the spot-kick.

Tottenham almost forced a replay when Steed Malbranque crossed from the left wing looking for Dimitar Berbatov and Wes Brown deflected the ball against his own post as he stretched in an attempt to clear, but Ronaldo added a third minutes later when he cut in from the left wing and his right foot shot squirmed under Cerny into the net.

Cardiff City are also through to the fifth round after a 2-1 win at Hereford United.

Kevin McNaughton put Cardiff ahead on the stroke of half-time and Steven Thompson added a penalty for the Championship club after the break.

Theo Robinson scored a consolation for Hereford.

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