A debate polarised opinion at Manchester United throughout last season. The question was, are they better with or without Cristiano Ronaldo?
The answer has never been straightforward. There is the quantifiable argument that Ronaldo scored 24 goals in 37 appearances and was so often their saviour in times of need.
But so too is the counter argument that they were far worse as a side, finishing trophyless as part of a dire campaign which saw them end the Premier League campaign in sixth.
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Then there are the qualitative traits. Ronaldo was a colossal marketing success for United, helping them to break merchandise sales records and set all-time highs on social media. His worth is far more than just the goals he plunders.
The Portuguese also acts as the perfect role model for those he plays alongside, though his authority can cause problems too. His agent, Jorge Mendes, recommended Julen Lopetegui to the club in their search for a new manager as he looked to appease client Ronaldo.
Such power also makes the forward a lynchpin in the dressing room, and if kept against his will this summer, his disappointment could disrupt the squad harmony in Erik ten Hag’s debut campaign.
It means we might finally be getting closer to United without Ronaldo again, and Ten Hag might well look to predecessor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for a way of offsetting any departure.
The curtailed 2019/20 season is a really tricky one to analyse given that it resumed behind-closed-doors and many of the matches were played in what was effectively a training ground environment.
Yet no matter the surroundings or circumstances, United were still excellent during Project Restart and then again the following campaign when they finished second. The truth is they probably weren’t as good as many thought at the time, as was evident with how often they were humbled last season, though there was genuine quality on display.
The key to that was a fluid forward line that emphasised player movement and flexibility in order to bamboozle defences and carve open sides that adopted a man-marking approach. In fact, during the 19/20 season, United's forward line outscored the Liverpool attack of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah that went on to win the title.
It is also worth noting that Solskjaer was happy to go into last season without another recognised striker until a reunion with Ronaldo materialised out of the blue, giving United a new blueprint after the season had already begun.
If the Portuguese were to leave again this summer, then perhaps that is the approach Ten Hag should adopt with Marcus Rashford a survivor of that aforementioned trio, and Jadon Sancho, another capable of adapting to it as well. Anthony Martial could be given the last of his final chances there, and it is a formation that might suit the versatility of Anthony Elanga as well.
Throw Bruno Fernandes and now Christian Eriksen into the mix as potential false nine options and there are plenty of options available, though their success would heavily rely on teamwork rather than individual moments of brilliance.
With Erling Haaland and Darwin Nunez now at United’s two biggest rivals, most United fans will be clamouring for their own specialist centre-forward, though perhaps the answer will come by signing a right-sided forward who has proven potency in front of goal.
There is still hope that both Amad and Facundo Pellistri can be nurtured into United players long-term, but this summer the focus might be on signing another to help offset Ronaldo’s possible departure and restore their old formation.
United are interested in a move for Ajax ace Antony, and he might well be the ideal addition to the forward line, in a deal which could be accelerated if there is a need to replace Ronaldo.
If United are unable to get a striker that can rival the quality of Haaland or Nunez this summer, then maybe it is best to wait until they can get one of that ilk, rather than buy a stop-gap who doesn't have the potential to match their lofty ambitions.
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