Manchester United ended their long wait for a trophy by clinching the League Cup on Sunday. Erik ten Hag's side defeated Newcastle United 2-0 in the League Cup final on Sunday thanks to goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford.

Erik ten Hag has done a phenomenal job since taking charge at Manchester United in the summer propelling the Red Devils back to their good days and have finally ended their trophy drought. They have already won the League Cup and are in the running for FA Cup, Europa League and also the Premier League.

Cristiano Ronaldo's controversial exit from Manchester United in November has been a major turning point for the Red Devils. The Portuguese international's presence in the dressing room never really seemed to work in favour of the Red Devils following Erik ten Hag's arrival with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner being at the centre of several controversies on and off the pitch.

Ronaldo had a good first season at Old Trafford in his second spell with Manchester United as he scored 24 goals during the last season but his presence up top somewhat hindered the other forwards. Marcus Rashford, for instance, scored just five goals in all competitions last season which was his worst-ever season. The England international has scored 25 goals already this campaign becoming the key player up front for Manchester United.

It won't be fair to criticize Cristiano Ronaldo for his teammates' poor form while he was around but his departure has definitely acted as a boon for the Red Devils. They have been a lot more fluid and flexible up front since Ronaldo's exit. Wout Weghorst has not been particularly impressive with goals and assists but his holdup play and work rate have been utterly impressive.

Manchester United are still pretty much a team in progress and there are a number of areas where Ten Hag needs to work on. But Cristiano Ronaldo's exit has certainly worked in favour of the English giants as they look on their way back to the top.