It didn't take long for the new era to feel a whole lot like the old era.
Just when things should have been looking bright at Manchester United as Erik ten Hag welcomed his new players back to Carrington to begin preparations, those dark clouds loom back over. Even despite United registering their worst ever Premier League campaign last term, optimism was surprisingly high following the appointment of the Dutchman, but that is depleting fast.
The dread began to seep back in throughout a June which saw no players arrive despite the desperate need for new additions to the squad. That has now been arrested with the signing of Tyrell Malacia, with Christian Eriksen soon to follow, but the bombshell dropped by Cristiano Ronaldo hasn't allowed for much positivity to return.
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After initially appearing to have settled any doubts around his future by revealing his excitement to work with Ten Hag, Ronaldo has this week made it clear he wants to leave Old Trafford, just a year after he was given a hero's welcome returning to his former club. United's slow start to the summer transfer window and a 25 per cent reduction to players' salaries following the failure to qualify for the Champions League are two big reasons why the Portuguese is now looking for the exit.
Ronaldo has not yet reported for pre-season training due to 'family reasons' but United still maintain he is not for sale. Yet, just like at Juventus a year ago, when Ronaldo wants something he tends to get it.
His departure shouldn't necessarily be something to be terrified of, though. He may have scored 24 goals himself last season but United's overall goal tally decreased significantly. There's no denying Ronaldo's individual ability even at 37, but that doesn't mean he is what's best for a team anymore. His lack of mobility of the ball prohibits teams massively in the press, which would be a big hurdle for Ten Hag to circumvent. Ronaldo leaving could have a lot of benefits.
But the massive hole he would leave in the side cannot be ignored. He is the club's only senior, central striker. Another centre forward was on Ten Hag's shortlist, but after United surrendered early in the chase for Darwin Nunez no other targets have emerged. A versatile forward in Antony has been shortlisted instead but the going has been painfully slow.
Should Ronaldo depart then the need for a new striker will increase tenfold, but the club's ability to actually sign one may not. It has taken until July 5 for the first signing to get through the door. Eriksen is expected to follow shortly but no end seems in sight for Frenkie de Jong.
With United so laborious in the market, signing a striker is going to be difficult, especially when clubs will be able to smell desperation and hike up their prices accordingly. It wouldn't at all be surprising if Ronaldo departs without United bringing in anyone to replace him.
While that may well lead to panic stations in the fanbase, it could open the door for two players who looked unlikely to get another opportunity to lead the line ever again: Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.
After doubting his own future at the club towards the end of the season, Rashford is looking forward to a fresh start under Ten Hag and hoping to bounce back from his worst ever season in the professional game. With just five goals to his name, Rashford had his lowest goal return since making his senior debut last term and it was clear that his confidence was in ribbons.
It was a hard year. A terrible year. But Rashford has shown plenty of times before that he has the talent and skill to be a great player. Before last season's anomaly, Rashford's stats got better year on year and he has all the tools to be a lead striker if he can just hit a groove and find his confidence once more.
Martial has got an even steeper mountain to climb. The Frenchman made his desire to leave the club well known in January, but put in an absolute stinker on loan at Sevilla. He looked set to leave again this summer but United's lack of forwards (and a lack of suitors) has thrown cold water on that.
His performances haven't earned him another chance but Martial is still just 26 and under a fresh, exciting manager perhaps he could even find his mojo again and finally lead the line like he always wanted.
The Ronaldo situation couldn't have come at a worse time for United, as it highlights the continued flaws within the club just as a period of positivity was building. Yet it may well provide one final chance for Rashford or Martial to finally fulfil the role they have coveted for years.
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