In Manchester United’s 6-3 loss to Manchester City, Erik ten Hag claims he did not bring Cristiano Ronaldo off the bench out of “respect.”
However, former Man Utd captain, Roy Keane, has criticised the club’s handling of the Portuguese superstar, declaring that United are displaying “disrespect” to the striker.
For the first time this season, the 37-year-old was not used as a substitute as City thrashed United at the Etihad.
Ronaldo was replaced in the starting lineup by Marcus Rashford who just recovered from a muscular injury.
Despite, manager Ten Hag making five substitutions throughout the game, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was not one of them.
Why Did Ronaldo Remain On The Bench In The Manchester Derby?
When asked the reason for Ronaldo’s absence, Ten Hag revealed he did not want to disrespect the attacker by introducing him with United already 4-0 down.
“I didn’t bring him on out of respect for his big career,” the Dutchman said at his post-match press conference.
“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.”
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Former United captain Gary Neville said on Twitter: “I get [Ten Hag’s] point to be honest.
“Bringing Ronaldo on at 4-0 and 6-1 would have been an insult. Ten Hag may not have delivered the line correctly and probably would have been best not saying it, but I like his honesty.”
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