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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Matthew Hobkinson

How Manchester United bade farewell to Cristiano Ronaldo in matchday programme

Manchester United paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo in their matchday programme with a blunt 81-word farewell message ahead of their Carabao Cup victory against Burnley.

The fallout from Ronaldo's explosive interview with Piers Morgan saw the 37-year-old leave Old Trafford last month. United won their first competitive game on Wednesday night since the veteran's departure.

Ahead of kick-off, an 81-word paragraph within the 'Worth Knowing' feature of pages six and seven of the United Review programme saw the club pay tribute to Ronaldo for one final time before the win against Burnley.

READ MORE: Moments missed in United vs Burnley

It read: "Cristiano Ronaldo left the club by mutual agreement last month.

"The Portuguese superstar scored 145 goals across two spells and 436 appearances, and helped us win three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup. Ronaldo was also crowned Ballon d'Or winner in 2008.

"In a statement on November 22, the club put on record its gratitude for Cristiano's immense contribution and wished him and his family well for the future."

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner had struggled to match his goalscoring form from last season during the start of this campaign, only netting three goals in 16 appearances across all competitions under Ten Hag.

Given his lack of attacking output and the manner of his departure, there is a general acceptance that United are better off without the Portugal international, as the club look to focus on moving forward without the striker.

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