It was only during the final months of last season, Manchester United’s annus horribilis, that Erik ten Hag’s predecessors decided they could neither succeed with Cristiano Ronaldo or succeed without him. To implement a modern, progressive playing style – the sort that Ten Hag is now gradually introducing – was deemed practically “impossible” with Ronaldo as a regular starter. And yet, he was the top scorer and the only reliably available centre forward. Eventually, they decided they were better off with than without.
A new managerial regime is now in place at Old Trafford and suddenly, we may be about to get a much better, more prolonged idea of what that “without” looks like. Ronaldo will not be part of the United squad for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Chelsea after leaving Old Trafford early during the 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur. The 37-year-old, who it has been suggested refused to come on as a substitute on Wednesday night, will train separately from the rest of the first team squad as punishment.
