Cristiano Ronaldo looked to take on new responsibilities in Manchester United 's win over West Ham - and it left one of his opponent's analysts aggrieved.
The Red Devils bolstered their top four chances with a stoppage time win over the Hammers.
Marcus Rashford scored a last-gasp winner in front of the Stretford End, but his attacking colleague Ronaldo tweaked his game effectively.
The 36-year-old attracted unwanted headlines during the week as he lamented Ralf Rangnick's decision to substitute him at Brentford.
But he was influential against West Ham, veering away from his usual role as a No.9.
Ronaldo has adapted his game over time, often playing on the shoulder of the last defender.
Have Your Say! Was Man Utd's win vs West Ham their best performance under Rangnick? Tell us here.
Man Utd 1-0 West Ham: 5 talking points as Marcus Rashford's last gasp strike seals win
Read more: Ten Hag making moves to put himself in front of Rangnick for Man Utd role
On Saturday though the Portuguese star was often seen dropping deep to link play, almost like a No.10.
It allowed his teammates to run past him and offer options beyond, which gave United more variety in attack.
A West Ham analyst clocked the change in the second-half and, according to the MEN, said: "Ronaldo in that pocket is killing us again."
Ronaldo also did far more work defensively than is often the case - winning headers at key points.
Such efforts saw Ralf Rangnick hail the defensive performance as the best since he arrived at Old Trafford.
United have shipped goals throughout the campaign with Ronaldo facing particular criticism for his lack of work off the ball.
“If I look at the shots on goal and the chances during the game, I think we deserved a 1-0 win,” Rangnick said.
“For me, it was clear from the very beginning it would take some patience against a well-organised team like West Ham. It was not always easy for us to find the best possible solutions in the final third.
“Defensively I think it was probably the best performance in the last eight weeks, the way that we were always trying to win balls back, our counter-pressing.
“The physicality of the game was really outstanding and we know we still have to improve with possession of the ball.”
Ronaldo again failed to find the net despite clearly influencing the team's overall performance.
It means his strike against Burnley remains his only goal of 2022. Injuries have kept him out of several games, but for a man so prolific it still comes as a surprise.
There were occasions where Ronaldo demanded the ball in good areas before making his frustration known.
Nevertheless he praised his side's efforts on social media.
“One more important win before the Premier League stoppage, one more step towards our goals,” Ronaldo posted on Instagram.
“The road is bumpy and filled with obstacles, but we stand together and working hard to make our supporters proud! Let’s go, Devils!”
