Portugal’s exit from the Nations League this week rubber-stamped Cristiano Ronaldo’s worst start to a season since his arrival in the Premier League in 2003.
The former five-time Ballon D’or winner has seen more appearances off the bench than starts this season, and has only clocked up one goal — a penalty in Manchester United’s 2-0 Europa League win over Sheriff.
Ronaldo’s underwhelming start to the season would be justification for critics to label the 37-year-old as finally on the decline.
However, his competitive rival Lionel Messi came under similar scrutiny last season, with many claiming his slow start to life at Paris Saint Germaine marked the end of an illustrious career.
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