Not when Sir Alex Ferguson, Rio Ferdinand and Bruno Fernandes all seemed co-opted into the recruitment team, each displaying his persuasive powers to enable United to pay a £12million fee and the biggest salary in their history to a 36-year-old Juventus did not want. At a time when United needed to turn to their future, they were trapped in their past, imagining they could recreate it. The wishful thinking extended to most of the United alumni in the punditerati, showing a lack of judgment in their slavish devotion to Ronaldo, blinded to the notion he was a problem, not the solution.
The Portuguese eviscerated defences for years. Despite a 24-goal season last year – and few of his age are capable of that return – his destructive effect was felt more on his own side. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s regime entered a downward spiral. Ralf Rangnick, who Ronaldo claimed he had never heard of, concluded United couldn’t play without the Portuguese and couldn’t press with him. Ten Hag declined to bring him on in a Manchester derby when United conceded six times and Ronaldo refused to be introduced in an altogether better display against Tottenham.
The highlights of his second spell were few and far between. There was the euphoric, two-goal comeback against Newcastle, the brilliant hat-trick against Spurs in March, the brilliant hat-trick against Tottenham, the 700th club goal at Everton. But with him, United had their worst season in more than three decades. None of their younger attackers benefited from his presence. Fernandes was an inferior player with his compatriot on the pitch. Ten Hag had the strength and clarity of vision to see through United’s delusion and formulate a different strategy. He had the sense to talk tactfully. He showed a dignity Ronaldo has lacked. His reputation has been enhanced as Ronaldo has tarnished his legacy.
Perhaps not irreparably because in time the memories of his 42-goal campaign in 2007-08 will remain and his unwise return will be overshadowed. He will remain one of United’s collection of magnificent No 7s. Yet the idea that Old Trafford is his spiritual home has been rebuffed, the ridiculous rhetoric United produced when they re-signed him looking still more flawed when their rivals were constructing teams, harnessing styles of play, winning more games.
Maybe Ronaldo heads into his fifth World Cup happy. He has wanted to go months ago. He has got his wish. But his 15 months back at United have been the most chastening spell of his career. He goes with evidence United are a better team without him and questions if any of the superpowers would want him. If his departure in 2009 was grounds for mourning for United, now it may bring a sigh of relief.
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