Antoine Griezmann to Manchester United is the January transfer that could make sense after all

The future of Cristiano Ronaldo was a sideshow throughout the summer for Manchester United, one that dragged on throughout July and August, until the window closed on September 1 with the 37-year-old still at Old Trafford.

That brought the saga to an end for now, but the next couple of months will reveal whether it was a temporary pause or a permanent halt to his attempts to leave the club. Ronaldo made his desire to remain in the Champions League clear and then missed a significant chunk of United's pre-season for personal reasons.

But as the window wore on it became clear there wasn't a market for him among Europe's elite as his options gradually reduced. Staying at United has hardly been productive, either.

READ MORE: Ten Hag could decide on January transfer shortlist this week

Ronaldo has spent four successive Premier League games on the bench, starting the back-to-back Europa League games against Real Sociedad and FC Sheriff Tiraspol. His first goal of the season in Moldova last week was welcome, but the Zimbru Stadium in Chisinau isn't the kind of venue he expected to be doing his 'Siu' celebration in at this stage of his career.

If Ronaldo's first-team involvement remains limited at United between now and January then there is every possibility he will push to leave once again, maybe widening his options given his absence of game time. United have 13 games in 43 days before the World Cup and with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial struggling with injury, Ronaldo will certainly start some of them.

It is the calibre of games that he's involved in that may be decisive in any decision he makes in January. He will expect to be involved against Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea in the Premier League, rather than