The Red Devils climbed to fifth position on the league log with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over bottom side Norwich City at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Manchester United were indebted to the Portuguese international, who crowned the day with a hattrick.
Ronaldo gave Manchester United a two-goal lead but the hosts were pegged back and required a 76th minute free kick from the five-time Ballon D'or winner to take all three points.
Ronaldo has now scored 60 hattricks in his professional career, with 50 coming at club level while his free kick goal was the 58th of his career.
Ronaldo wrote on Instagram: "Very happy with this win and for getting us back on track in the Premier League.
"Individual achievements are only worth it when they help us reach our goals as a team, and the 60th hat-trick in my career is so much more important because it brought us the 3 points.
"Well done, lads, tremendous effort from everyone. We're not giving up, we're fighting until the end!"
Manchester United are now three points behind fourth placed Tottenham Hotspurs with six games left to play.
They play Liverpool in their next Premier League game on Tuesday.
