Ronaldo's return - snubbed by Europe's elite, benched by Manchester United, but now it could all change for CR7

The competition Cristiano Ronaldo was so desperate to avoid, could now provide the springboard he craves. The Europa League tie with Real Sociedad on Thursday could see the Portuguese forward start for the first time since Manchester United’s 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Brentford.

He didn’t want to be here at this point - and even late in the transfer window it was not certain where Ronaldo would be playing his football this season.

He wanted to continue playing in the Champions League to further embellish his record in club football’s sternest test. United could not provide that - and the idea of hanging around to see if they could claw their way back into it this season did not appeal.

What Ronaldo did not bank on was the lack of a market for a 37-year-old earning in excess of £500,000-a-week and seemingly out of step with the modern, high-pressing game favoured by elite clubs.

And so, in a week when he has had to watch on as Europe’s finest began their Champions League journeys, he will step out at Old Trafford in what will feel like a parallel universe. Continental competition - just without the unmistakable anthem that has been the soundtrack to so many of his greatest achievements.

The question now is - with the window closed and his fate sealed until January at the earliest - what does the future hold for Ronaldo?