Cristiano Ronaldo’s final few months at Manchester United were punctuated by high-profile events taking place at the club’s training base.
Firstly, during the summer, the veteran striker - flanked by his agent and confidante Jorge Mendes - arrived for crisis talks with the Old Trafford hierarchy. That initial mediation came after it emerged that Ronaldo was looking to facilitate a sensational exit, less than 12 months after his similarly stunning return.
All eyes were on United’s HQ with new boss Erik ten Hag forced to immediately face the biggest personality at the club head on. Those talks ultimately resolved with Ronaldo staying on - but the seeds of discontent had been firmly sowed.
