Cristiano Ronaldo has plunged Manchester United into a desperate search for a top-class striker in a shrinking transfer market and with time against them.
That is the most tangible damage caused by his decision to leave just a year after his emotional return to Old Trafford.
There are, of course, bigger questions about the reputational hit to United.
After all, Ronaldo is convinced he cannot win major honours with them – and that is not a good look for any club that considers itself among the biggest in the world.
However, the immediate concern for Erik ten Hag is the sudden change to his summer recruitment strategy.
While United are adamant Ronaldo is not for sale, the expectation is that he will secure a move, meaning Ten Hag will have to bring forward his plans to introduce a new focal point for his attack.
