Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Manchester United has been called into question after he was benched in the derby on Sunday.
The striker was unable to force his way out of the club during the summer transfer window. However, after manager Erik Ten Hag’s latest allegation, the story in the January transfer window could be different.
Ten Hag was desperate to keep the Portuguese at Old Trafford this season, but it appears that the Dutch manager has made up his mind on Ronaldo’s future at the club.
Erik ten Hag will not obstruct Cristiano Ronaldo’s January transfer, according to a report from The Mirror.com citing The Telegraph.
According to the article, Ronaldo is still hoping to leave United before the end of the season, but despite his lack of playing time under Ten Hag, he has remained ‘very professional.’
Cristiano Ronaldo has only made two starts in seven matches.
After missing United’s preseason due to attempts to force a move, the Portuguese started the season as a second-half substitute in the 1-2 home loss to Brighton in August.
He did start the match against Brentford, but his team lost by a score of 0-4 again. The Portuguese striker was then left out of the starting eleven for the 2-1 home triumph over Liverpool, in which he appeared as a substitute for four minutes.
Ronaldo has started both of United’s Europa League group games, scoring in a 2-0 away win over Sheriff.
Roy Keane on Cristiano Ronaldo’s situation
Cristiano Ronaldo was left on the bench during United’s 3-6 loss to Manchester City on Sunday, with Ten Hag subsequently admitting that he did not utilise the striker because he “respects his big career.”
During the Manchester derby, former Manchester United captain Roy Keane criticised the manager’s choice.
Keane while speaking on SKysports said, “I think Man United are just showing disrespect to Ronaldo. I think he should have been let go before the transfer window.
“I think the manager is holding on to him. Okay, you say you need options, but you don’t hold on to Ronaldo to sit on the bench. He’s one of the greatest players ever.”
