A 'spring in his step' would aptly describe Cristiano Ronaldo's walk as the Manchester United players embarked on a customary lap of the Old Trafford pitch on Monday night to mark their final home exploit of the season.
It was in stark contrast to the many downbeat trounces he has made throughout the season. He certainly didn’t look like a man who was bowing out from United. And one thing is for certain, even though his future is falling somewhat under the microscope, Erik ten Hag will have been watching with an eager eye and will have taken note of Ronaldo's performance.
At 37 years-old, he notched his 18th league goal of the season - equalling his Premier League tally from the 2008/09 season during his very tender years. When you come to look at the standard at in which he is ending this season, it is almost unfathomable that Ten Hag would neglect the chance to use him with a year remaining on his contract.
For some, however, it was either definitely or almost certainly a goodbye to Old Trafford. Edinson Cavani for one appeared as though he was bidding farewell to The Theatre of Dreams, whilst Phil Jones’s second half introduction indicated likewise.
Nemanja Matic has already confirmed his departure and was greeted by a standing ovation as he was replaced during the second half. Juan Mata, who had a plethora of family and friends in attendance, although not having officially confirmed his exit, was similarly greeted with and lapped up a rousing reception as he was withdrawn shortly after Matic.
But, as opposed to what many would have expected, Ralf Rangnick’s choice to involve some of the likely departees didn’t give the game much of a testimonial-like feel. In fact, it proved that, in addition to Ronaldo, the likes of Matic and Mata still have something to give (even if it is away from United) given their high footballing IQ and overall technical prowess.
For Ronaldo, it only took a matter of moments to make his impact known, running in behind the Brentford defence, latching onto Diogo Dalot's forward ball with supreme control only to lose his footing at the vital moment. It was a spritely dart in behind from Ronaldo which actually followed a similar Brentford chance provided by Christian Eriksen, who was received remarkably by the Old Trafford faithful, in the opening seconds.
On the whole, United showed intent and desire to ensure they were on the front foot, simultaneously limiting Brentford's output. The ball was shifted at pace and with a high success rate, with improved co-ordination and a defined structure contributing to a sense of control that has often been absent.
United reverted to more frequently playing balls in behind - something firmly within their repertoire. Avail was gained from Dalot's second attempt at such means of unlocking the Brentford defence. Anthony Elanga proved his sharpness to keep the ball in play, squaring to Bruno Fernandes who finished opportunely for his 10th goal of the season, adding to a tally of 14 assists.
The strike was Fernandes's 50th United goal, which is 21 more than any other player at the club since his debut in February 2020. Only Mo Salah and Harry Kane have bettered his Premier League goal involvement return of 61 in that period.
Rangnick lauded Fernandes for "a better performance than in the last couple of games" which was, in his opinion, "an important issue for the development of the game".
'Better' was a watchword. Reflected by Fernandes's development, United were considerably more convincing and assured. This was evidenced by some more refined build-up passages and spells of interplay, leading to much more consistent levels of chance creation. There was proof of the virtue of inventive bodies such as Mata, with his expertise enhancing the collective performance.
Mata was heavily involved, displaying a multitude of his trademark pass and move manoeuvres, as when breaking the opposing offside trap with a combination with Fernandes to impeccably-weight a pass across to provide a gilt-edge chance for Ronaldo. The net bulged but Ronaldo was adjudged to have marginally mistimed his run after a VAR review. Albeit, it was a move of genuine quality.
Ronaldo's moment did come around the hour mark when he, again, showed expert movement and drive to run onto a Dalot through ball down the right flank, using his strength to brush off Rico Henry's initial challenge. With the left-back on the back foot, Ronaldo showed initiative to win a penalty which he took ownership of and dispatched with assurance.
The converted spot-kick meant Ronaldo equalled his Premier League goal tally of 18 from all the way back in the 2008/09 season, 14 of which have come at home (which is a league-high). Despite his age, he continues to perform at a level at least reminiscent of his more youthful years.
His entire performance warranted the goal, with his all-round display vintage. He showed a hunger for involvement throughout, often dropping into deeper areas to win the ball as well as provide a link and catalyst for attacks. There was one instant around the half-hour mark that he chased Bryan Mbeumo half the length of the pitch to rectify a giveaway with a strong tackle.
His entire performance was refined, with his perfectionist nature shining through at times - furious at the most minor of mishaps. He often carried the ball with confidence, was acute in interplay and dynamic in his movement to create space and constantly make himself an option. He was neat and tidy in his passing, also proving his enjoyment with a number of backheels and other passes of similar ilk.
One measured flick supplied a volley for Mata in the first half, with the effort inches away from being earmarked as one of the goals of the season. His creative ability was also shown with a late assist-worthy lofted through ball for substitute Edinson Cavani. It this particular aspect of his game that has been so impressive having grown in prevalence of late.
After Ronaldo's penalty, for the avoidance of any late doubt, Raphael Varane notched his first United goal having locked onto the end of Alex Telles's corner, preceding more anti-Glazer demonstrations. There was no walkout en-masse as was planned by some, but voices were heard as banners were raised and flares lit with chants of "We want Glazers out" ringing around Old Trafford.
Despite the animosity towards the club's ownership and the underwhelming season on-field, there was a sense that spirits weren't wholly dampened as the players took part in a post-match 'lap of appreciation' to mark the final first team action at Old Trafford this term. The warmth gave a sense of hope, with farewells bid to a host of players as signs of a new dawn emerged.
It was a positive note to bow out on. Next time out at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag will be at the helm.
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