Manchester United already know how to replace Cristiano Ronaldo

A debate polarised opinion at Manchester United throughout last season. The question was, are they better with or without Cristiano Ronaldo?

The answer has never been straightforward. There is the quantifiable argument that Ronaldo scored 24 goals in 37 appearances and was so often their saviour in times of need.

But so too is the counter argument that they were far worse as a side, finishing trophyless as part of a dire campaign which saw them end the Premier League campaign in sixth.

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Then there are the qualitative traits. Ronaldo was a colossal marketing success for United, helping them to break merchandise sales records and set all-time highs on social media. His worth is far more than just the goals he plunders.

The Portuguese also acts as the perfect role model for those he plays alongside, though his authority can cause problems too. His agent, Jorge Mendes, recommended Julen Lopetegui to the club in their search for a new manager as he looked to appease client Ronaldo.

Such power also makes the forward a lynchpin in the dressing room, and if kept against his will this summer, his disappointment could disrupt the squad harmony in Erik ten Hag’s debut campaign.

It means we might finally be getting closer to United without Ronaldo again, and Ten Hag might well look to predecessor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for a way of offsetting any departure.

The curtailed 2019/20 season is a really tricky one to analyse given that it resumed behind-closed-doors and many of the matches were played in what was effectively a training ground environment.

Yet no matter the surroundings or circumstances, United were still excellent during Project Restart and then again the