What Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved since returning to Manchester United in the summer simply cannot be downplayed.

In perhaps the most dreadful Red Devils side of the Premier League era, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has still scored goals aplenty.

Ronaldo's sensational strike in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea on Thursday evening was his 17th in the English top-flight this season.

Only Mohamed Salah (22) has found the back of the net more times.

But apparently scoring 17 goals, including eight against the 'top six', in a bang average United team is not enough to earn Ronaldo a place in a Premier League Team of the Season excluding Liverpool and Manchester City players.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford on April 28, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Sky Sports asked Statman Dave and Kyle Walker (no, not the City right-back) to name their chosen XI and there's no sign of United's main man.

Instead, it's Harry Kane - who's scored only 12 goals in the league this season - who occupies the striker role in the team.

Check out the XI in full...

The PL Team of the Season excluding Liverpool & City players

The XI: Jose Sa (Wolves), Reece James (Chelsea), Mohammed Salisu (Southampton), Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea), Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace), Declan Rice (West Ham), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton), Martin Odegaard (Arsenal), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Heung-min Son (Tottenham).

Overall, you have to say it's a pretty tasty XI, although Ronaldo isn't the only notable absentee.

West Ham goal machine Jarrod Bowen is incredibly unlucky to miss out, as is Crystal Palace's midfield maestro Conor Gallagher.

However, you can also understand why Arsenal duo Saka and Odegaard have been selected ahead of them, as they've been key in helping the Gunners take pole position in the race for a top four finish.

NORWICH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Bukayo Saka celebrates with Martin Odegaard of Arsenal after scoring their team's third goal during the Premier League match between Norwich City and Arsenal at Carrow Road on December 26, 2021 in Norwich, England. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)

England duo Rice and Ward-Prowse simply had to be included after their magnificent campaigns, as did Son, who like Ronaldo is on 17 Premier League goals for the season.

We can't disagree with any of the back four chosen or Sa in goal, who is firmly in the mix to be labelled the best signing of the campaign.