Mueez Ajao
– Cristiano Ronaldo has been left on the substitutes’ bench for Manchester United in Erik ten Hag’s first competitive game in charge.
– The Red Devils host Brighton in their first game of the Premier League season at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
– But wantaway star Ronaldo will have to sit among
- the replacements, with Marcus Rashford playing up front instead.
Also Read: Ten Hag slams Ronaldo for ‘unacceptable behaviour’
– The Portuguese forward has openly stated his desire to leave the club this summer for Champions League football after United’s poor season left them in the Europa League.
– The ongoing saga of whether he will stay or go has undermined new manager Erik ten Hag in his first summer.
– Dutchman Ten Hag labelled Ronaldo’s decision to leave Old Trafford before the end of United’s last friendly, after being substituted off, ‘unacceptable’.
– Pundit and club icon Gary Neville said he was ‘disappointed’ with Ronaldo for creating a ‘messy’ start to Ten Hag’s new era, while Wayne Rooney has urged United to sell his former team-mate.
– In the wake of an injury to Anthony Martial, the likely starter up front if fit, Ronaldo had declared himself ‘ready’ to play against Brighton on Instagram.
– Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes will play behind lone striker Rashford, with a midfield three of Fred, Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen. In defence, Lisandro Martinez makes his competitive debut, with new signing Tyrell Malacia on the bench.
Confirmed: today's United line-up ✔#MUFC || #MUNBHA
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 7, 2022
