Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo was not happy about being named on the substitutes bench for the Manchester derby on Sunday, according to manager Erik ten Hag.
The Portuguese international has only started three matches so far this season, and he didn’t even make it onto the pitch during the 6-3 defeat to City at the weekend.
Fans on Twitter have been debating whether Ronaldo does deserve more game time or whether ten Hag is right to keep him out of the starting lineup:
So play him then?
— DOM®️ (@Dxmaldinho) October 5, 2022
he won’t make any difference
— yudha (@utdstewie) October 5, 2022
Eeeh so play him? He was Man U’s topscorer last season.
— Nancy Hayek (@nancy_hayek1991) October 5, 2022
You can’t keep everyone happy
— Wuod Ambira (@Keileb__) October 5, 2022
Time to play the man then let him flourish take his anger out on the opposition
— Chris Silvester (@ChrisSilveste14) October 5, 2022
But he is completely washed and nowhere near what he used to be. We know Ten Hag and we all support you!! Just get rid of him in January
— #1958 (@Mufc_AS) October 5, 2022
There is certainly an argument to be made that, as Ronaldo was the club’s top scorer last season, he deserves to be still leading the line for the Red Devils.
However, ten Hag also needs to have players who can implement his system. At 37 years of age, Ronaldo is no longer able to play a high-speed, high-pressing game, and he may have to settle for a bit-part role this season.
Considering the Portuguese star reportedly tried to force through a move in the summer, with the likes of Chelsea having been offered the player, it stands to reason that he will seek an exit once again in the New Year, especially now he is no longer starting matches.