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.
