Erik ten Hag says Cristiano Ronaldo remained on the bench during the Manchester derby ‘out of respect’ for his iconic career.
Manchester United were beaten 6-3 at the Etihad, with Erling Haaland and Phil Foden both scoring hat-tricks to ensure Manchester City kept their unbeaten record alive.
Ten Hag was asked about his decision not to use Ronaldo as one of his five substitutions.
The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell claims Ten Hag said he didn’t bring Ronaldo on “out of respect for his big career,” which sounds like a throwaway comment to kill a question.
Ten Hag says he didn't bring on Ronaldo with United 4-0 down "out of respect for his big career". #MUFC
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) October 2, 2022
Ronaldo, 37, is bound to be frustrated at the fact he didn’t come on, but I think Ten Hag answered the question very well.
It wasn’t that long ago that the Portuguese star was seeking a move away from the club. Plus, it’s no secret that his best years are behind him.
At least we got to see Anthony Martial return from injury and nobody can complain about that after he scored a brace in the last 10 minutes to make the scoreline read slightly better for United.
the problem of losing to man city was from the couch
If he had started casemiro, the scoreline would have not been like this
Casemiro and Ronaldo sitting on the bench is mind blowing to me. Ten Hag gave up before the game ever started. Pathetic in every way.