Cristiano Ronaldo had a very mixed first season back at Manchester United.

On an individual level, he got a very respectable 24 goals in 38 matches in all competitions.

Despite that, some pundits blamed the Portuguese superstar for Manchester United's wretched campaign.

United finished 6th having won just 16 of their 38 Premier League games. It was another trophyless campaign for the Red Devils.

The notion that Ronaldo was to blame because of his lack of pressing lost credibility the more the season went on as he continually bailed out his teammates.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on September 11, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

We shouldn't forget that Ronaldo is now 37. He's not going to be at the peak of his powers and it's pretty remarkable that he's still able to perform consistently at the very highest level.

He's certainly a totally different player to the one we saw in the Premier League previously.

Between 2003 and 2009, Ronaldo wowed the Premier League with some of the most exciting football the division has ever seen. Back then, he was a tricky winger with the pace and flair to humiliate defenders. And he did so regularly.

And to remind everyone just how good he was back then, a compilation video has gone viral that states "Kids these days will never know how badly Cristiano Ronaldo used to destroy defenders in Premier League."

VIDEO: Cristiano Ronaldo 'destroying' defenders in the Premier League

It really is a joy to watch.

Ronaldo has had to adapt his game as he's got older and has developed into a central striker from a tricky winger. One thing that hasn't changed is his ability to score goals, humiliate defenders and win games on his own.

While some pundits may claim his return to Old Trafford hasn't been entirely a success, one of his former teammates claims he's exceeded all expectations.

"More than anyone was expecting, probably," Dimitar Berbatov told Betfair. "I have been asked a lot of times about him, and every time I have said the same thing.

"He is bringing goals, bringing experience, helping the young talent and knowing just how to play the game. He is also smart about the way he plays and what he brings to the table.

"It doesn't matter how old he is and he has proven that. He is playing in the Premier League — the best league in the world — and he has scored 24 goals overall at 37-years-old. Come on, the guy is unbelievable.

"When you take care of your body and you believe in yourself, like Ronaldo does [you can be successful]. He has also been in the Premier League before, so he knows the place.

"It has all come together for him and he made the right choice coming to United, and the stats prove it."