Cristiano Ronaldo's second spell with Manchester United will be split into two parts when looked back on by supporters in years to come.
Last season, Ronaldo returned to a brilliant reception and fans, at times, were treated to some of his best hits. It is true that without his goals, United would have been in a very difficult position and he deserves credit for his efforts.
But his form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick was long forgotten when Erik ten Hag took over. The Dutchman's forward-thinking approach in 2022/23 has been to the benefit of the Reds but not Ronaldo.
ALSO READ: Ronaldo has handed Ten Hag tough January decision
United look defensively solid and the introduction of Alejandro Garnacho before the World Cup break has unveiled the next big United star. However, this approach was to the detriment of Ronaldo and, as the Piers Morgan interview proved, it was a shock to the 37-year-old.
The club had a decision to make as to who to back post-Morgan: Ten Hag or Ronaldo. His controversial comments, coupled with the behaviour shown during the Tottenham Hotspur victory, made that decision simple.
Ronaldo may have been unhappy with his lack of minutes and the 'disrespect' Ten Hag showed him but he cannot say that he was not warned about how the former Ajax manager would approach management in Manchester. "I'll always be myself," he told Trouw in April.
"I will not change my view on coaching. The type of players you have determines the way you play, but I'm in control of the demands and tasks that are asked of the players.
"I decide what task a player has. If someone doesn't perform his tasks, he will be made aware of that, no matter whom it may be. I will not compromise on that."
Ten Hag's decision to punish Ronaldo saw him flex his managerial muscles post-Spurs, and United's decision to part ways with the 37-year-old only further highlighted Ten Hag's no-nonsense approach when it comes to players stepping out of line. Attention will now turn to the replacement for Ronaldo with the Reds coach looking stronger than ever before.
READ NEXT:
