Mueez Ajao
– Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag left Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench during the side’s 6-3 defeat to Manchester City out of “respect” for the striker.
– Ronaldo was an unused substitute at the Etihad Stadium, despite United finding themselves 4-0 down at half-time.
– Victor Lindelof, Anthony Martial, Fred, Casemiro and Luke Shaw all came off the bench ahead of Ronaldo, with Ten Hag insisting afterwards the 37-year-old did not deserve to be subjected to humiliation at the hands of Pep Guardiola’s champions.
Also Read: Haaland and Foden both score Hat-tricks as City tear Man Utd apart in derby
– “I wouldn’t bring him in out of respect for Cristiano, for his big career,” Ten Hag said.
– “The other thing was the advantage that I could bring on Anthony Martial. He needs the minutes but I don’t want to point it out like that.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, 90 minutes on the bench against Man City. Ten Hag: “I wouldn't bring him in because out of respect for Cristiano, his big career”. 🔴 #MUFC
“Other thing was the advantage I could bring Martial, he needs the minutes but I don't want to point it out like that”. pic.twitter.com/9jRoNI6Zvn
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 2, 2022
Ten Hag on Cristiano Ronaldo: "I wouldn't bring him in because out of respect for Cristiano, for his big career, and the other thing was the advantage I could bring Anthony Martial, he needs the minutes but I don't want to point it out like that."
— utdreport (@utdreport) October 2, 2022
– Phil Foden and Erling Haaland both scored hat tricks as City ended United’s run of four straight Premier League wins.
– Martial came off the bench to score twice after Antony had pulled one back in the second half but Ten Hag said the damage had been done during a disastrous first half and accused his players of showing the wrong attitude from kick-off.
– Meanwhile, City have extended their unbeaten start to the season and have now scored 29 goals in just eight league games.
– Guardiola insisted there was still room for improvement but praised Haaland after the Norwegian improved his record this season to 17 goals in just 11 games.
