Maybe the last time Cristiano Ronaldo failed to get his own way over a transfer was in the summer of 2008 and on that occasion it didn't work out too badly for Manchester United.
Ronaldo was desperate to join Real Madrid after five seasons at Old Trafford and the transfer saga was a toxic one. United reported Real to FIFA and Ronaldo himself said he was "a slave" for being forced to stay at United, a club where he had four years left on a generous contract.
Ultimately, United failed to cave in during the summer of 2008 and kept Ronaldo. Sir Alex Ferguson refused to give in to Real Madrid and not only managed to keep Ronaldo, but also coax another superb season out of him.
