Cristiano Ronaldo provides Man United clear proof of INEOS transfer strategy

Manchester United's transfer strategy since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement has been disjointed, to say the least.

Immediately following the legendary manager's exit, United had the pulling power to sign big-name players to try and return the club to the pedestal which it had fallen off. Perhaps the biggest of names was brought in during the summer of 2021 as Cristiano Ronaldo returned home.

It was undoubtedly a feel-good moment to see Ronaldo walk out at the Theatre of Dreams again and his first season back was impressive. However, the problem would lie after the honeymoon period ended.

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Erik ten Hag arrived after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick and it was clear that Ronaldo did not fit the vision which the Dutchman was looking to create. Many predicted it would end on a sour note. Few predicted how dramatic that would be.

More than a year and a half after his exit, Ronaldo still remains proof that INEOS' transfer strategy is the right way to go. United are no longer linked to the big names, instead, a focus is shifting to the big names of the future.

Lille's Jonathan David, Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite are among the names who are believed to be targets for the Reds. These are players who are just on the cusp of heading towards their prime rather than those who are burdening the club with losses.

This is not to say that all the players who have been signed as household names have been poor. Raphael Varane had his moments for United but has left for free this summer following injury issues.

Casemiro was immense in his debut campaign but dropped off massively