Man United Legend Explains How Erik ten Hag Disrespected Ronaldo During Europa League Clash vs Omonia

Man United Legend Explains How Erik ten Hag Disrespected Ronaldo During Europa League Clash vs Omonia

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:13 PM
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  • Paul Scholes has hit out at Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag for 'disrespecting' Cristiano Ronaldo
  • The former midfielder contends it is wrong for ten Hag to 'relegate' Ronaldo to Europa League matches at the expense of playing him in big matches
  • Ronaldo has started all three games in the Europa League this season, compared to just once in the Premier League

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has claimed that Erik ten Hag disrespected Cristiano Ronaldo during their clash against Omonia in the Europa League.

Ronaldo was handed a rare start against the Cypriot side, with the Portuguese lining upfront alongside Jadon Sancho.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Erik ten Hag, Manchester United, Omonia, Europa League, Manchester derby.
Cristiano Ronaldo speaks to manager Erik ten Hag during a training session at the Aon Training Complex. Photo by Martin Rickett.
Source: Getty Images

The 37-year-old has struggled for game time under ten Hag this season, with the Dutchman relegating the veteran striker to the bench.

The Portuguese star was an unused substitute in the Manchester derby on Sunday, as Man City ripped United apart at the Etihad Stadium.

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However, ten Hag deemed it fit to rotate his squad against Omonia in a tactical move that earned Ronaldo a place in the starting XI.

Paul Scholes slams ten Hag for disrespecting Ronaldo

The move seems not to have gone down well with Scholes, with the legendary Man United midfielder suggesting it was disrespectful.

According to Scholes, Ronaldo is a 'world star' who should have played against Man City rather than being saved for Thursday night football.

"I think it is almost more disrespectful playing him on a Thursday night in the Europa League. This man is a world superstar," Scholes told BT Sport via The Sun.
"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."

Meanwhile, Ronaldo made little impact when he was involved in the Europa League clash, failing to score despite being presented with loads of chances.

Ten Hag admits Ronaldo hates not playing

On Wednesday, Sports Brief reported that Erik ten Hag admitted Cristiano Ronaldo gets unhappy when he is not played regularly.

So far this season, Ronaldo has only started one Premier League game and the Europa League two times.

"He's not happy that he wasn't playing Sunday," ten Hag said.
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Fred Kennedy
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