Erik Ten Hag added another statement about Ronaldo: He gives it his all and is happy. But when he doesn’t play, he’s angry, says United coach

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo did not start Manchester United’s recent derby against Manchester City, due to the Red Devils’ manager Erik Ten Hag simply not letting him play. And now he has made another statement on the matter.

In the end, the Manchester derby was even clearer than United fans in particular probably expected. After the first half it was practically over – two goals from Erling Haaland and two more from Phil Foden.

In the second half, Manchester United struck first when Antony scored in the 56th minute, but Haaland and Foden sealed their hat-tricks in the 64th and 73rd.

At the very end, the Red Devils reduced the score thanks to two Martial goals, but it was only a cosmetic adjustment of the score – Citizens shot United 6:3 at home.

Ronaldo was understandably very angry that coach Ten Hag not only did not put him in the starting line-up, but also did not use him as a substitute.

It should be noted, this is not the first time in the current season that Ronaldo has started on the bench. However, it was the first time he sat out an entire game.

That statement by Hague

“I didn’t put him on because of respect for his career. At the same time, it was advantageous to send Anthony Martial, who needs minutes, but I don’t want to hide behind that,” explained Ten Hag after the game.

The Manchester United coach, however, added another statement, which was quoted on his Twitter account by the well-known journalist Fabrizio Romano.

“Ronaldo is not happy when he doesn’t play, but he trains well and gives it his all – he is in a good mood. But the question was directed to his mood in training, where he is happy. And then, of course, he wants to play and is angry when he doesn’t play.”

Manchester United legend Roy Keane also criticised Cristiano’s deployment in the Sky Sports studio on Sunday. He thinks that the regular omission from the starting line-up is not appropriate given the qualities of the Portuguese legend.

A glance at the stats – Ronaldo has so far in the current campaign has featured in 6 English top-flight matches and 2 Europa League games. He has scored one goal in the European Cup so far, but the Premier League hasn’t brought him any goal scoring joy so far. And it is currently unclear if he will start the game against Omonia.

Sources: Mirror, Twitter – Fabrizio Romano, Transfermarkt