Erik ten Hag was criticized by Paul Scholes of MANCHESTER UNITED for choosing to start Cristiano Ronaldo in the Europa League over the Manchester derby, calling it “almost more disrespectful.”
In order to show “respect for his career,” the manager of the Red Devils claimed he did not start CR7 against Manchester City last weekend.
The 3-2 Europa League victory over Omonia Nicosia was the next match in which Ten Hag started Ronaldo.
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To be fair to Ronaldo, he didn’t snub the chance to increase his staggering career goal total against Omonia.
He actually gave it his all to score for just the second time this torturous season, but no matter what he tried, the ball would not go in.
The Red Devils 3-2 victory in Cyprus was the third game the 37-year-old has started in Europe this season, compared to just once in the Premier League.
The game was a perfect example of how he has excelled at the top of European football for so long.
The Portuguese international’s shots with his right foot, his left foot, from close range, and from afar were saved by the goalkeeper, blocked by defenders, struck the side netting, and flew over the bar.
Even when Diogo Dalot gave Ronaldo an almost open goal, he nevertheless managed to strike the post. He used to be able to win that chance in the comfort of his sleep.
United Legend Paul Scholes, 47, believed that starting Ronaldo against the Cypriot minnows did more to damage his reputation than starting him at the Etihad.
He said on BT Sport after the game: “I think it is almost more disrespectful playing him on a Thursday night in the Europa League.”
“This man is a world superstar.”
“I am not saying at 37 years of age he should be starting the games, the big games especially, but this is a competition that is hard to get yourself motivated for.”
“I don’t like saying that, but it’s true when you are a big player at a big club like this.”
“He has to change his mentality now, and because he is so strong mentally, it will be to score two goals and get himself in the team for the weekend.”
The legend tip Rashford, Ronaldo and Martial as United‘s front three to face Everton.
The effectiveness of Jadon Sancho and Antony in Cyprus had a significant role in his decision.
When asked if he anticipated Ronaldo making his debut at Goodison Park, Scholes responded to BT Sport as follows:Â
“I can on Sunday, yeah.
“I think the impression the two subs [Rashford and Martial] have made tonight with Cristiano as well.
“There aren’t a lot of games Cristiano will be able to play in but I think Everton could be one of them.
“It’s not a massive pitch, he won’t have to be sprinting out everywhere, working the channels.”
“When he’s got two wide lads who have got goals in them, I think the two wide lads that played today, Jadon Sancho and Antony, I know Antony scored on Sunday [against Man City], but I think Martial and Rashford look more dangerous.”
Also read: Man-united-boss-praise-rashford-and-martial-super-subs-in-3-2-victory-at-cyprus/
Erik ten Hag side travels to Goodison on Sunday with the intention of making up for breaking a streak of four consecutive victories at Etihad.
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