Man United's farewell message to Cristiano Ronaldo in their match-day programme said it all

Manchester United's goodbye message in their matchday programme to Cristiano Ronaldo was certainly devoid of any true sentiment.

United returned to action with a routine 2-0 victory over Vincent Kompany Championship-topping Burnley, as the Red Devils moved into the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup, but prior to the start of the match, one thing caught the eye of fans.

Ronaldo departed from the club in late-November, becoming a free agent following a year and three months after he re-joined the club for a second spell.

His final few months were steeped in controversy along with an unfamiliar role as a back-up striker and the ending for the Portuguese international has certainly been gloomy to say the least.

And now we've seen that notion hammered home with United's farewell message in their matchday programme.

His reputation at United has certainly been tarnished, with the final months of his career at Old Trafford being a sad reflection of his declining abilities.

For as much as you would think the on-pitch issues would be the issue, and perhaps they were given how he only managed three goals in 16 appearances this season, it was his off-the-pitch antics that made the headlines.

A viral interview with Piers Morgan set his exit in motion in what was an unfriendly exit.

The message in the programme gave him a very short, statistical-based goodbye, despite the fact his first spell at the club brought the club incredible success.

"Cristiano Ronaldo left the club by mutual agreement last month," the message began. "The Portuguese superstar scored 145 goals across two spells and 436 appearances and helped us win three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

"Ronaldo was also crowned Ballon d'Or winner in 2008. In a statement on November 22, the club put on record its gratitude for Cristiano's immense contribution and wished him and his family well for the future."

Manager Erik ten Hag also responded with a blunt message for Ronaldo in recent weeks, with his relationship with the forward breaking down rather publicly following the striker's public criticism of the Dutchman.

Ten Hag responded to the now free agent forward's exit. "He's gone and it's the past," the Red Devils boss, who Ronaldo brutally claimed he didn't have "respect" for, told MUTV. "We are now looking forward and we're looking to the future."

It's unclear what the future holds for Ronaldo, especially since there are reports that his relationship with super-agent Jorge Mendes has broken down.

Reports have claimed he did receive an incredible financial offer to play in Qatar, but its clear he wants to stay in Europe, and compete at the top level.

But, as it stands, no club is in the running to sign the five-time Ballon d'Or winner - how did it come to this for Ronaldo?