Cristiano Ronaldo's important Manchester United transfer decision could be shaped by Liverpool

Manchester United were four goals down against Liverpool at Old Trafford in October before half-time. United had been dominated, humiliated and embarrassed in 45 minutes of football. They had forgotten the basics. It was an unforgivable performance.

Cristiano Ronaldo was incensed. The forward had returned to United to win trophies and he was reduced to being degraded by his club's most fierce rivals instead. Liverpool's Curtis Jones fell to the floor just before the interval and Ronaldo's frustration was suddenly unloaded. Ronaldo twice kicked the ball that was wedged under Jones' body. Liverpool's players wanted him sent off.

Ronaldo survived and received a yellow card for that incident. Liverpool scored moments later on the stroke of half-time through Mohamed Salah to make the game 4-0 and Ronaldo probably wished he had been handed his marching orders. He wanted the pitch to swallow him up but he had to play the second half. Ronaldo didn't come back to United for misery and humiliation.

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It has been a disastrous season for United. The tangible hope and optimism surrounding the club after the signings of Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane and the summer didn't last long. Those emotions were soon replaced by despair and anger.

David de Gea has been United's standout performer this season but Ronaldo would be second. While he suffered a difficult winter, enduring his worst goal drought for over a decade, his talismanic performances from the start of the campaign ensure he still has credit in the bank. Ronaldo's hat-trick against Tottenham also helped to save some face. That sort of brilliance was overdue.

United's failures this season have