Cristiano Ronaldo dealt reality check as Manchester United transfer exit gambit backfires

When Cristiano Ronaldo made it known to the world that he wanted to leave Manchester United he may well have thought his wish would come true shortly afterwards. He might have presumed that a long line of clubs would have instantly formed desperate to sign him. Why else make his desires so public?

Either way, the gambit to engineer his departure from United just a year after returning looks to have backfired spectacularly. That line didn't form. Europe's biggest clubs are steering clear. Even those in need of a striker aren't showing interest. In the meantime, Erik ten Hag has shown a glimpse of what the future could look like without him in the United side. The future looks bright.

Doom and gloom was beginning to set in once more in the build-up to United's pre-season tour thanks to Ronaldo's revelation, as well as a slow start in the transfer market, but those growing dark clouds have cleared after a few weeks in Thailand and Australia. The results - convincing victories over Liverpool, Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace - have been galvanising but it has been the manner of the performances that have really grown optimism.

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It's hard to believe that the vast majority of the players involved in the matches are the same ones that served up such dross last season. It shows how important a talented coach is as United already look structured, tactical and creative under Ten Hag's stewardship. There is now a clear plan to stick to, a set-up to work within, instructions to follow and it's resulting in some lovely football.

There are still kinks to iron out - United look susceptible to counterattacks - and it's clear why Ten Hag is pushing for Frenkie de Jong so