Cristiano Ronaldo's goals have been the difference in several matches for Manchester United this season amid the club's flailing form.
He is United's top scorer with 14 goals so far this season and is currently the only United player with double figures in goals (with Bruno Fernandes being the closest to him with only half that number at seven).
But the consistent criticism levelled at Ronaldo is that he doesn't do enough when he doesn't score, which has often been the case during the Ralf Rangnick era, as he has only scored twice since the German has been appointed.
His pressing has improved under Rangnick, but when the club switched to a high pressing system, this was expected, and his numbers in this regard have not set the world alight.
However, it is his other work in and out of possession that some United fans are questioning. His preference to drop deep and ask to receive the ball deep despite chances of running into the box, how he links up with other forwards, and his general movement around the ball have not been great.
And when you see someone like Edinson Cavani playing, he does this constantly throughout the match, and defenders always have to be wary about where he is on the pitch because he can either be the danger himself or be the lynchpin to bring other players into the game.
But there were a few moments in the match last night where Ronaldo's presence as a number nine was beneficial, and in both cases, United were able to score.
The first instance seems accidental, but it still shows the benefit of having Ronaldo on the field. Ronaldo steps forward towards the ball with his back to goal to receive it to feet as he has been doing throughout the match.
However, two defenders then move to block off his path to goal, opening up space for Anthony Elanga to run into. Fred then finds the Swedish forward with a great pass, and United scores.
The second instance, however, is much more intentional by Ronaldo. Scott McTominay wins it back high and then plays it long to Ronaldo, who chests it onto Fernandes, who is running through on goal.
This drawing of the defender then laying it off to a secondary runner is target man 101, but of course, Ronaldo adds some flair with a beautifully executed chest pass.
Ronaldo needs to do this throughout the match and not just in moments. However, and whether his apparent adverse reaction to coming off was because he was substituted or because he didn't score, Rangnick's response to the incident set it out; it's about the team performance, and in terms of helping United, Ronaldo can still improve.
What did you think of Cristiano Ronaldo's performance against Brentford? Follow our United On My Mind writer Casey Evans on Twitter and get involved in the discussion in the comment section below.
