It was not the shot against the post, or the offside goal, or the attempt that hit Anthony Elanga on the goal line that epitomised Cristiano Ronaldo's demoralising day, but a free-kick.
In the 38th minute, Ronaldo walked away from a free hit 25 yards from goal. Rio Ferdinand joked back in September Ronaldo should not be allowed to have first dibs on set-pieces. Against Watford, Ronaldo did not even protest as Alex Telles lined up to swing a harmless shot wide.
When the final beep sounded, Ronaldo looked broken. At Old Trafford, the tunnel is located in the south-west corner, rather than on the halfway line as it is at most grounds, so there was no quick getaway. Ronaldo lingered, maybe wondering what he had got himself in for. Maybe wondering what has happened to him.
