THANK goodness for Cristiano Ronaldo. And for the fact that he decided against Real Madrid.

And, of course, for his hilarious theatrics.

That’s how Evertonians should be reflecting on Saturday’s events.

After all, that prostrate quadruple pirouette really was a thing of beauty – especially in their eyes. It transformed the whole feel of the occasion both on and off the pitch.

The winger’s reaction to Phil Neville’s tackle – and the subsequent over-reaction from his team-mates – turned the game in Everton’s favour and gave a subdued, almost resigned, home contingent some real belief once again.

They had even given up on booing Wayne Rooney such was the ‘here we go again’ vibe that surrounded an initially comfortable United display, punctuated by Darren Fletcher’s easy waltz through for the opening goal.

But Everton frustrated them to the point of self-destruction – and as a result turned in their most encouraging performance of the season yet.

It took just one tackle to bring it all bubbling nicely to the surface, but the hysteria surrounding it does beg a few questions.

Since when have Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs been so offended by Neville going at full throttle into his opponents with a good, hard full-back’s challenge?

Did they ever run 50 yards to snarl in his face when he did that during his time at Old Trafford?

Did that kind of attitude not contribute to much of the success he enjoyed with United in the decade he spent there?

So why the sudden indignation? We all know it’s woe betide anyone who tries to go near Ronaldo.