There’s no momentum. An early 2-0 lead at Porto on Thursday turned into a 3-2 deficit before Harry Maguire’s late equaliser. Two points out of a possible six to start the Europa League campaign.
Another miserable day of things on the pitch would make it the perfect setting to decide on a change that some sections of the fanbase are now craving.
It would be somewhat ironic if Ten Hag and Ronaldo’s public spat – fuelled by the Dutchman prioritising his long-term project – ended at the hands of Unai Emery’s team twice.
On October 6, 2022, Ten Hag handed Ronaldo his fourth league start of the season in United’s 11th game. You can see why the five-time Ballon d’Or winner – and the club’s top goalscorer in 2021/22 – was unsettled.
But Ronaldo cut a dejected figure while he couldn’t do anything to prevent a 3-1 defeat. As he directed himself into the darkness of the tunnel, only he would’ve known it was his swan song.
“I don’t have respect for him [Ten Hag] because he doesn’t show respect for me. If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never gonna have respect for you,” Ronaldo explained.
His release followed, and in the time since, between two unsuccessful international tournaments with Portugal, Ronaldo has placed a rocket onto his career goals tally in Saudi Arabia. He appears happy in his twilight years.
Happiness wouldn’t be the emotion to describe those in the Ten Hag camp ahead of United’s trip to Villa.
If it ends in defeat, the question to ponder is will the Dutchman know he’s saluted the travelling support for the final time like Ronaldo? Perhaps – as much as his public front says otherwise.
One man in the stadium who likely will know is Ratcliffe, notably expected to be in attendance for the second time this term.
Chief executive Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox will make the call.
