When Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to cast a shadow over the brightest day of Erik ten Hag's reign in charge of Manchester United so far in the galvanising victory over Tottenham it was clear yet more trouble was on the horizon. When it later transpired that the No.7 had refused to come on in the match you could have been forgiven for thinking his strop down the tunnel was the last thing he would ever do at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag handled the situation deftly, however, diminishing the notion of player power he firmly laid down the law and made it clear who was boss. Ronaldo was punished. Fined, banished to solo training, and not included in the trip to Chelsea.
But there was a way back. Ronaldo apologised for his actions, returned to the fold and look reinvigorated against FC Sheriff, persisting to score his third United goal of the season.
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Ten Hag had asserted his authority and seemingly achieved an attitude adjustment out of Ronaldo. Not bad going. But then the following three games occurred. Due to a lack of attacking options with Jadon Sancho, Antony and Anthony Martial all sidelined, the manager has had little choice but to start Ronaldo in every one.
Though there were wins against West Ham and Real Sociedad, they were only narrow and nervy. United's attack, which was pulsating and electric against Spurs and Chelsea, had grown static and unimaginative. Then came Sunday's trip to Villa Park. Ronaldo was handed the armband in absence of Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes - a far cry from his position as pariah just over two weeks earlier - but was again completely ineffective.
As has been the case since his return to Manchester, Ronaldo's lack of movement and pressing makes the whole side flat due to missing energy and impetus but at least last season he was still scoring. That isn't the case anymore. At one point it looked like he would never lose it but time moves on for everyone. The sort of chances he would usually dispatch with his eyes closed are now ballooning over the bar or going well wide of the mark.
Ronaldo may be considered the best goalscorer of all time and his sensational return of well over 800 attests to that but he is finding the heads of ducking supporters more than the top corner now. Even the best can't stay the best forever.
It's clear that United are a worse team when Ronaldo starts and his latest run has proven it beyond doubt. Ten Hag didn't have much choice but to start him in those games but now Martial is back. How long the Frenchman will remain injury-free remains to be seen but in the brief minutes he has managed this season he has been far more clinical in front of goal than the Portuguese.
Not only that but his pace, positioning and link-up play have made United look a much more dynamic attacking unit. His direct and explosive cameo against Liverpool, crucial in claiming the win, showed exactly what United can aspire to be at their best. If he can just stay fit.
Ronaldo was handed a chance to redeem himself for his actions against Tottenham on the pitch, more of a chance than his performances have warranted, but he was unable to take it. With the January transfer window on the horizon and with it the chance to finally end this messy affair, he may not get another chance to do so.
Ronaldo's storied career at Manchester United now fittingly reflects the player himself: much better in the past.
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