After Bruno Fernandes paid tribute to Fernando Santos for the eight years he spent in charge of Portugal's national team, Cristiano Ronaldo's silence has shown the gulf in class between the pair.
As the full-time whistle went in Morocco's quarter-final victory over Portugal, all eyes were on one man.
Ronaldo left the pitch in floods of tears as he headed down the tunnel knowing that this was how his fifth and final World Cup tournament would end - not with a bang, but with a whimper. The 37-year-old could not even bring himself to congratulate nor acknowledge the monumental achievement of his opposition as they became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.
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Ronaldo had every right to be upset, with even the staunchest of critics being able to show a little compassion toward the actions of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. Yet as the former Real Madrid man marched off down the tunnel, a glimpse over his shoulder would have shown him how a player of his stature should have been handling the sombre occasion.
Fernandes consoled not only his fellow teammates, but also took the time to embrace the jubilant Moroccan squad despite no doubt suffering himself. The United midfielder then applauded the crowd, thanking them for their support as the European 2016 champions bid farewell to their time in Qatar.
But if the difference in actions between Ronaldo and Fernandes on the pitch was stark, their response to Santos' departure was even more telling.
Less than a week after the defeat at The Al Thumama Stadium, the Portuguese Football Federation had confirmed his departure: “It was an honour to have a coach and a person like Fernando Santos at the head of the National Team,” a statement read.
“The FPF thanks Fernando Santos and his technical team for the services provided over eight unique years and believes that this thanks is also made on behalf of the Portuguese people. The FPF Board will now begin the process of choosing the next national coach.”
Portugal have flourished under Santos since he took over in 2014, winning the European Championships in 2016 and then the UEFA Nations League just three years later. It is therefore no surprise to have seen an outpouring of support from the squad that have thrived under his leadership.
United midfielder Fernandes led the tributes to Santos, as he took to social media, saying: "Many thanks to mister Fernando Santos. Thank you for the opportunity to represent our country and for the trust in us the past few years.
“As a Portuguese, thank you for putting Portugal at the top of Europe and returning confidence and belief to a ‘small’ country that it was possible to be among the ‘big ones’.
“Moments of glory and joy and others of sadness and frustration, but history was made and will forever be marked in the hearts of all Portuguese.”
The 28-year-old showed a maturity beyond his years as he paid tribute to the 68-year-old, something you might expect from someone nearly more than a decade older than Fernandes. Yet Ronaldo has been radio silent since the departure of a manager that he holds, or perhaps held, in such high regard.
As the dust slowly starts to settle from the World Cup's conclusion, Erik ten Hag will be welcoming back the squad that left him more than a month ago. Ronaldo's sudden departure would have been an unforeseen eventuality that the Dutchman has had to grapple with, yet the former Ajax manager will soon find out he is better off without the veteran striker.
United may well need to sign another striker in the January window to replace Ronaldo, but for a player so out of form - any signing should be seen as an upgrade - not a replacement.
The fallout from Santos' departure has only strengthened the idea that United are better off without Ronaldo, as Fernandes showed he has all the right characteristics to lead his side during a hectic post-Christmas schedule that will see the club continue in their search for a place in next season's Champions League.
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