Before we begin it is important to understand that whatever happens this season, Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy should not be tainted in anyway at Manchester United.
His first spell at Old Trafford was significantly better to the one that he is currently experiencing but it is worth remembering that without his 18 goals last season it does not bare thinking about where United would have been. However, despite his comments to the contrary, it has become clear that Erik ten Hag is struggling to find a place in his squad for the Portuguese ace.
Ronaldo came on in the second half vs Brighton due to a lack of match fitness keeping him out of the initial XI but he did enough to start at Brentford. Admittedly he was not the worst performer in the capital but, like Harry Maguire, he has since had to settle for a place on the bench.
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A brief cameo against Liverpool was followed by a slightly longer one at St Mary's but it was perhaps the south coast afternoon which may have led to a realisation for Ronaldo. Plonked on the bench next to his ex-Real Madrid teammate Casemiro, it was hard not to draw comparisons between the future and past of this United side.
Named as a substitute for a second game in a row must have highlighted to the 37-year-old that the Liverpool decision was not just a mere reactionary response to a hammering. Instead, the performance without Ronaldo was more a preview of what is to come.
The problem now is his self-belief. It was once the forward's biggest strength but sadly now it his major weakness.
Ronaldo still sees himself as the same player he was ten years ago, however one moment when he stepped onto the pitch may have convinced him, and others, of his new reality. As the forward tried to break away from the Saints defence, Mohammed Salisu out muscled him and won a goal kick.
Now, with all due respect to Salisu, he is not the strongest defender in the Premier League. The Ronaldo of old would have pushed through with ease.
It was a small moment in the overall context of the game but it felt symbolic for Ronaldo's career. He is stuck now potentially playing second fiddle to several United forward's should he stay.
The question is whether Ronaldo can face this new role for the rest of the season or will he attempt to chase one last hurrah elsewhere. Whichever he decides upon should be accepted - he has earned that at least.
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