Erik ten Hag Explains Why He Left Cristiano Ronaldo as an Unused Substitute vs Man City
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has explained his decision to leave Cristiano Ronaldo as an unused substitute in their defeat to Manchester City.
The Red Devils returned to action after the September international by facing local rivals Man City at the Etihad Stadium. The result was far from what United wanted as City romped their way to a comfortable win.
Man City secured a 6-3 win over Man Utd in that game, outclassing the Red Devils in every aspect of the game. Both Erling Haaland and Phil Foden scored hat-tricks for Pep Guardiola’s side in that game.
Anthony Martial, on as a second-half substitute, bagged a brace for Manchester United while summer signing Antony also scored a goal.
Ronaldo had featured in all six of Man Utd’s previous Premier League matches this season – one as a starter and the rest as a substitute.
However, against Man City, Ronaldo was not even brought on in the role of a substitute. The 37-year-old watched on from the benches as Man City thrashed his side.
Speaking after the match, Man Utd manager Ten Hag explained why he did not bring Ronaldo on in the game.
He added: “And the other thing, there was then the advantage I could bring Antony Martial on. He needs the minutes but I don’t want to point it out like that.”
Meanwhile, the defeat to Man City leaves Man Utd sixth in the Premier League points table. The Red Devils have 12 points from their first seven fixtures in the English top-flight this season.
Man Utd have won four of those matches, while succumbing to defeats in the rest. Their first two defeats came in their first two matches of the season. They had bounced back from that dreadful start to register wins in their next four matches in the league.
Meanwhile, Man City are just one point short of league leaders Arsenal. Both Arsenal and Man City have played eight matches in the league this season, and have 21 and 20 points respectively.
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