Cristiano Ronaldo: Erik ten Hag Finally Discloses Why He Was Not Playing the Striker

• Cristiano Ronaldo has played a less significant role for Manchester United since the arrival of Erik ten Hag as the new boss
• The Portuguese star has made just one Premier League start so far this season, with ten Hag opting for youngsters
• According to the United manager, Ronaldo's failure to take part in the club's pre-season campaign contributed to his lack of game time
• The five-time Ballon d'Or winner will be desperate to win his position back in the starting XI after Sunday's landmark goal against Everton

Erik ten Hag has finally opened up on his decision to overlook Cristiano Ronaldo in his team selection.

Ronaldo has struggled for game time this season under the Dutchman, managing just one Premier League start so far this term.

This completely contrasts with his role at the club last season under former managers Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, where he played an influential role.

Man United legend slams Erik ten Hag for snubbing Cristiano Ronaldo during the Manchester derby

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Ten Hag has since relegated the veteran forward to Europa League action, with the ex-Ajax boss opting for youngsters to lead the attack.

Having failed to feature in the Manchester derby, Ronaldo was expected to start upfront when United travelled to Everton last Sunday.

However, the 37-year-old started from the bench and was only introduced in the match after Anthony Martial picked up an injury.

Ten Hag explains Ronaldo's exclusion

Ten Hag has now revealed that Ronaldo's failure to participate in Man United's pre-season campaign is the genesis of his tribulation.

At the time, the former Real Madrid star was facing an uncertain future with the Red Devils as he attempted to force a summer exit.

Despite ten Hag's seeming snipe at Ronaldo, he was keen to detail his intent to integrate the forward back into the first team.

Erik ten Hag reveals why he did not introduce Cristiano Ronaldo during Manchester derby defeat

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"I want to support him as good as possible, so we have a certain demand on players. What we expect from him in certain positions on the pitch and what I do, as with other players, is I want to get the best out of them," said the Man United boss as quoted by Goal.

Frank Lampard praises Cristiano Ronaldo

Sports Brief has also reported that Frank Lampard has showered Cristiano Ronaldo with praise following his latest career milestone.

The veteran striker scored his 700th club goal on Sunday, October 9, during Man United's Premier League clash with Everton.

Ronaldo started the match from the bench, with Erik ten Hag opting to start Anthony Martial up front to lead the attack.